The end of the year is full of exciting events, special moments with friends and family, and festive cheer.

However, it also ushers in cold and flu season, when easily transmissible viruses tend to peak.

There are several reasons why this happens, including lower temperatures and reduced humidity, which results in a fertile environment for aggressive viruses. But while catching the cold or flu may seem inevitable, there are simple precautions you can take to help you and your family avoid these illnesses. Follow this guide to safeguard against them and learn what to do should a member of your family fall ill.

Practice good hygiene

The most essential form of prevention is practicing everyday healthy habits. Instruct your loved ones to follow these foundations of wellness so they can avoid contracting viruses:

• Wash your hands after playing, before and after eating, and after using the restroom, scrubbing with soap and water for at least twenty seconds.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow (or a tissue if you have access to one) when you cough or sneeze.
•  Avoid touching your face, especially near your mouth, nose, or eyes; cold and flu viruses can enter the body through these areas.
• Keep your distance from people exhibiting cold or flu symptoms (see more details below).

Remind your family often about the importance of good hygiene. For example, go over these steps while dropping your children off at school and before having meals. Adhering to these healthy habits can significantly reduce the risk of illness.

Boost your family’s immunity

As important as prevention is, sometimes your loved ones may still encounter flu and cold viruses. In those instances, having a strong immune system is absolutely vital. As pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin writes for Parents, “The best things we can do for our immune systems are to prioritize good sleep, eat a variety of foods including fruits and vegetables, try to reduce stress (that’s more for you fellow parents!), and get regular exercise.”

It’s simple to work these healthy habits into your daily routine. Encourage everyone, both children and adults, to keep a consistent bedtime and avoid electronic devices before bed so they can sleep well. When planning meals for your family, incorporate plenty of produce to ensure each member consumes immunity-boosting nutrients. Prioritize hydration, and serve water instead of other beverages at meals.

Stress is a natural part of life, but you can take steps to release this pressure and keep your immune system strong. To refresh and reset, dedicate time every day to calming activities like exercising, going on walks, or watching a movie with your loved ones. If you notice your children feel overwhelmed with homework or other responsibilities, encourage them to join you in stress-busting events.

Learn the signs

You and your family should know the key indications that someone has a cold or flu, whether to better avoid sick individuals or recognize when you or another member is getting sick. Unfortunately, though, the symptoms of these illnesses can be wide-ranging and varied, and they can affect various people in different ways—so it can be tough to distinguish them from other viruses, let alone from each other.

However, the National Institutes of Health offers these general guidelines: “Symptoms of a cold tend to be mild. You may have a runny nose, cough, congestion, and sore throat. But you won’t usually have the aches and fever that are common with COVID-19 and flu.” Symptoms of the flu, meanwhile, can be similar but may also include aches and pains, particularly chest discomfort, and a fever. It is also less likely to cause a stuffy nose, a sore throat, or sneezing than the common cold. Keep an eye on your family members to determine if they are showing even mild symptoms of a sickness.

Rest and recover

If anyone in your family becomes sick, follow these simple treatment tips. There is no cure for the common cold, but these viruses are mild, and they should feel better after a few days. Encourage them to take time off work or school if possible, get plenty of rest, and hydrate frequently. If needed, they can take medicine such as decongestants and cough suppressants.

A family member with the flu can use the same treatment plan as when suffering from the common cold. They may also take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches, pains, and fever symptoms; adults over eighteen years can use aspirin. Should they begin to show serious symptoms, such as a fever that exceeds 101.3 degrees, shortness of breath, wheezing, or an intense headache, have them see a doctor. If a young child or infant exhibits cold or flu symptoms, call a doctor for their treatment recommendations.

While your family member is sick, whether they have the cold or flu, encourage them to stay in bed, and keep your distance from them when possible. Furthermore, always wash your hands after interacting with them and have them wash theirs before touching anything that others may interact with, such as doorknobs in common rooms. You may also want to serve them food and water so they avoid touching items like dishware or food that other people may eat.

While there is no way to completely avoid illnesses, you can still make efforts to endure cold and flu season. Follow this advice, and you can help your entire family stay healthy, fight viruses and recover quickly, and enjoy an overall happier season.

*For more info on cold and flu prevention tips, talk to your doctor.