Unfortunately, it looks like Mr. Flu has decided to start his winter vacation early this year. Here are some suggestions to have a happier and healthier season.

Cover your mouth and nose

If you’ve got it, keep it to yourself. Thousands of eager viruses fly out of your nose and mouth each time you cough and sneeze. If you cover your mouth and nose, you can keep Mr. Flu from visiting your friends and family.

Wash your hands

After you cover your mouth with your hands, don’t forget to wash them. Many viruses can be spread by contact - using contaminated doorknobs and shaking hands.

Don’t share food and drinks

Forget about the backwash, each time you drink from your friend’s hot chocolate or take a bite using their fork, you have invited thousands of germs into your body. Many people are contagious even before they show signs of illness. The next time someone asks you for a sip, tell him to get his own cup.

Update your vaccines

There seems to be enough flu vaccine to go around this year, so please be sure that you consult with your doctor about getting one. Another immunization, such as the pneumonia vaccine, can help prevent susceptible children and adults from serious complications of the flu.

Breastfeed your baby

Nature’s best medicine comes from mom. Every time mom and baby are exposed to germs, mom’s body begins to make specific antibodies to fight off these germs. These protective proteins are passed from mom to baby through breast milk. Many breastfed babies will either escape infection or have a much milder course. On the whole, I tend to see breastfed babies much less in my office for sick visits.

Grandma’s chicken soup

Scientists have taken grandma’s chicken soup, given it to sick people and have studied its effectiveness. The conclusion: sick people who ate grandma’s soup felt better much sooner. This begs the question, whose grandma has the best recipe? Mine of course.

Rest, exercise and eat well

If you take good care of your body, your body will take good care of you.

Take a sick day

... when you are sick. If you go to school or work when you are feeling ill, you are likely to infect your friends and co-workers. This will lead to more absences and is not the best way to make friends.

With a little thought and consideration, you can bid adieu to Mr. Flu.