It is very common, especially for children and teens, to get sick when seasons change and with the weather getting colder every day, it is very common for people to get sick with the cold or flu. According to The Chicago Tribune, 50 percent of people get sick at least once every winter. Here are the top 5 ways you can prevent getting sick this season.

1. Wash your hands and cover your mouth

Kids are taught at an early age to wash their hands especially when they are exposed to so many germs at daycare or school. Bacteria from the common cold or the flu are airborne, which means even being in the same room with someone that is sick could get you sick too. This is why it is important to wash your hands with warm soapy water when you know you have been in the same room with someone that has been sick and to always cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.

2. Try and build a strong immune system

Senior, Alex Maka suggests eating right to stay healthy from within. “It’s all about what’s inside.” She continues, “It’s all about your immune system and how strong it is.” Key ways to build your immune system include taking vitamins to make sure your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs, as well as eating foods that are clean to help make your body run smoothly.

3. Don’t share drinks with friends

Maka also says that sharing drinks with friends is a very risky move, especially during the colder months when people tend to get sick the most. Being in school when people are sick is already a risk factor, sharing drinks only increases the risk of getting sick. Someone can still be a carrier of a virus but not show symptoms because their immune system is doing a good job at fighting the sickness. This is why you should always avoid sharing drinks with friends to be on the safe side of things.

4.      Get vaccinated

Sudden weather change and colder temperatures make the body more vulnerable to sickness. Doctors recommend that you get a flu shot once a year to prevent getting sick multiple times throughout the fall and winter. Most health insurances cover the cost of the vaccine and the only thing you have to do is make an appointment with your doctor or local pharmacy.

5. Stay home when you start feeling sick

Although medicine can help a lot, one of the key factors to getting better when you’re sick is rest. You can’t get adequate rest when you’re at school and if you decide to still go to school, you can also put your classmates at risk. Once you feel the start of a sickness, it is a good idea to stay home and get some rest before it escalates into anything more serious. If you stay home when you feel the warning signs, it is easier to get back to school faster and stay healthy for most of the season.

Note: This article is for information purposes only, always consult a professional for medical advice.