(5) Get Enough Sleep
One of the most important things you can do to avoid colds and flu is to get enough sleep. Most people need around eight to ten hours of sleep per night. If you’re not getting enough sleep, your body will be weaker and more susceptible to illness. You can sleep better if you stick to a regular sleep schedule, stay away from caffeine and alcohol before bed, and do something relaxing before bed.
What are cold and flu symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cold and flu symptoms can include fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms can vary from person to person and usually start within a few days of being infected.
If you have a cold, you may have a mild fever, while with the flu you may have a high fever. Colds are usually accompanied by a runny or stuffy nose, while the flu is more likely to cause body aches and pains. Colds typically last for a week or two, while the flu can last for several weeks.