Cold and flu can cause illness, interfere with your social life and pile up your medical bills. Thankfully, there are some ways that can help you keep the cold and flu at bay. So, here are four effective tips to prevent cold and flu that you can follow.

Supply your body with enough vitamin D
There have been reports that suggest a shortage of vitamin D supply in many people in the country. Deficiency of vitamin D in the body can lead to problems such as cardiovascular diseases, poor growth of bone, and weakened immune system. In a 2012 study, it was suggested that it is imperative to check children for a sufficient supply of vitamin D regularly. This should be especially ensured in children who have dark skin because they do not soak as much vitamin D from the sun as compared to kids who have a light-colored skin.

Stay active
Being fit can play a huge role in preventing cold and flu. Having a regular exercise regime can help your body stay in shape and remain healthy to fight diseases. In a recently published study, it was shown that doing exercise regularly can prevent the body from inflammatory and chronic diseases, reduce stress, and give a boost to the production of white blood cells that are important to fight problems such as the common cold.

Wash your hands regularly
Regardless of what work you do, if you are the risk of being exposed to a contagious virus; it is important to wash your hand frequently. This might sound like a simple way to keep germs at bay. It is also one of the most effective tips to prevent cold and flu and other contagious diseases. This is why doctors and nurses keep water and soap handy. To make sure that there are no viruses on your hands, you must wash them using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. The temperature of the water will not matter as long as you are doing the scrubbing properly.

Stay away from people who are sick
You must maintain a distance from people who are down with cold and flu. For example, you must avoid shaking hands with someone who has been feeling a little under the weather. By doing this, you will reduce the transmission of cold and flu further and will prevent yourself from getting exposed to the virus. If you have a family member in the house who has been suffering from cold and flu, you must sanitize your surroundings regularly. The doorknobs, switches, and other commonly exposed surfaces must be cleaned to keep the infection from spreading.