8 Tips to Help You Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

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Photo credit: Rachael Ray Show Aired January 20, 2016

We’re in the thick of cold and flu season, and chances are that you or someone you know has already been affected. If you want to improve your chances of thriving at this time of year, read on for eight tips from Dr. Travis Stork.

Tip 1: Know the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu

The Value of Saline Nasal Spray

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Dr. Stork says that when you have a cold, your primary symptoms are going to be above the neck – stuffy nose, congestion, sore throat and you’ll probably have thick mucus dripping from your nose.

Tip 2: Actions That Could Help You to Avoid Getting a Cold

Dr. Stork says that if you avoid touching your eyes and mouth and wash your hands frequently, you may be able to completely avoid getting a cold.

Tip 3: Use Saline Nasal Spray

Dr. Stork claims that using saline spray to moisturize your nasal passages can help you to ward off colds better.

Tip 4: Learn to Combat the Flu

If you are otherwise healthy but think you have come down with the flu, Dr. Stork recommends making sure you hydrate, eat well, drink warm tea with honey (which is a natural cough suppressant), use your nasal saline and also gargle with saline.

Tip 5: Let Food Be Your Medicine

If you want your immune system to be at its best, Dr. Stork recommends eating well when you’re sick. He also suggests eating garlic.

Tip 6: Know Your Baseline Temperature

The Importance of a Baseline Temperature

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Test your thermometer out when you’re healthy so you know what your normal body temperature is, this way when you’re feeling sick you’ll have an accurate temperature read.

Tip 7: Know How to Use Your Thermometer Correctly

Make sure you don’t take your temperature right after you drink hot liquids, because it could skew the reading.

Tip 8: Don’t Forget About Oral Health

Backstage Pass: More Cold & Flu Prevention Tips From Dr. Travis Stork

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Dr. Stork says to be sure to brush your teeth and gargle with antiseptic mouth wash, because that will reduce the number of germs in your mouth.

Test your knowledge – how long does the cold and flu virus linger on surfaces? Watch below to find out!

Dr. Travis Stork's Tips for Cold and Flu Season

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