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| It’s that time of year again, friends. Yep, you guessed it — cold and flu season.
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| You may not be able to avoid getting sick 100% of the time. Some risk factors are inevitable. However, there are many steps you can take to lower your chance of catching a cold or the flu and avoid passing it on to others.
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| Keep reading to learn what you can do to help protect your health.
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Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline
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Written by Morgan Mandriota
October 20, 2025 • 2 min read |
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| What you can do to help avoid a cold or the flu
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| Getting a flu shot every September or October (before flu activity picks up) is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the flu, especially as the strains change each year. The vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, including pregnant people. There’s currently no vaccine to prevent infection from viruses that cause common colds.
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| Also consider taking these preventive measures to help protect others and yourself from disease year-round (and not just during cold and flu season!):
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- Wash your hands with soap and water to reduce the spread of germs.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
- Cough into your elbow (not your hands).
- Support your gut health by taking probiotics.
- Limit how often you touch your face, especially your mouth and nose.
- Try to stay home if you’re not feeling well or you have a fever.
- Disinfect your home, including high touch surfaces like doorknobs and appliances.
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| Certain diet and lifestyle changes, like managing stress, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and addressing any nutritional deficiencies, may also support your overall well-being this time of year. Learn more ways to protect yourself by reading our article below.
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