Don't forget the laundry One of the reasons illness spreads in winter is because we're all inside sharing the exact same air. Opening a window to let in some fresh air or stepping outside for a short walk can do wonders for clearing the lungs out. An air conditioner is an investment if that's not feasible. Some models are specifically designed to remove neutralize viruses bacteria and allergens. It is possible to boost your body's ability to fight off illness by adding the vitamins and nutrients to your diet. Some research suggests vitamin C might help shorten the length of colds or even help prevent them. Research also has shown that zinc may decrease the length of time your common cold lasts, and vitamin D3 has been shown to support your immune system. Get a fresh air -- even when it is freezing and vitamin D3 ha out Don't Forget to: Get a flu shot As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Getting immunized is the very best way to prevent influenza. Flu viruses mutate every season, so each year you have to get a vaccine. Everybody older than 6 weeks old should find a flu vaccine, particularly the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Stop biting your nails Get Decent sleep Research demonstrates that those who get less than seven hours of sleep each night are three times more likely to catch colds. Towels clothes and bedding -- those stuffed animals, and yes -- could be an integral culprit in spreading infectious germs and influenza. Wash items in the hottest water safe for the cloth and use color-safe bleach to wash out germs. When managing dirty laundry, take things rather than hugging potentially contaminated clothes to your chest in a basket. Pour the items into the machine and wash your hands after handling materials. Disinfect high-touch areas No matter how great you're about washing your hands using sanitizer, everything touch, and it is collected by your nails including germs and bacteria. Biting your nails touching your face puts those germs on a direct route to nose and your mouth, providing them the capacity to start making you sick. Wash your hands If you are sick, stay home. Get a good carbon detector Cover your mouth when you cough with something aside from your hand. Colds, flu and other illnesses can make for misery at school, home and the workplace. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Studies reveal sanitizers and 95 percent are more effective at killing germs than those with sanitizers or lower concentrations. Use hand sanitizer Germs can live on hard surfaces for several hours -- a few up to several days. Kitchen and bath countertops, door handles, and gym gear are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. That's why it's important to disinfect frequently. Additionally you need to also be wiping light switches and phones, remotes down. Stay away Washing your hands is the very first and best protection to protect yourself from germs. One study found that hand washing may reduce respiratory disease transmission. Make it a practice at every break. Scrub lather and your hands with soap, scrubbing for at least 20 minutes.