Tis the season to be jolly, but it’s also cold and flu season. Winter is almost here, and even though we may feel warm and fuzzy with holiday cheer, the colder temperatures are making us feel sick. How can we keep the germs at bay so that we can properly celebrate this holiday season? Here are a few tried and true remedies that will knock out a cold:

1) Rest – don’t skimp on sleep and naps! Your body needs to heal, so rest, relaxation, and a good night’s sleep will put you on the fast track to recovery.

2) Hydration – the myth of drinking 8 glasses of water a day rings especially true as a cold remedy. However, it’s not just limited to water; tea, broth, and even warm apple cider can also apply and help loosen congestion. But make sure to avoid, alcohol, coffee, or any other kind of caffeinated beverage as consuming these liquids can dehydrate your body.

3) Moist air – Moist air can also help break up your congestion. Time spent in a sauna, a nice hot steamy shower, and humidifiers are excellent ways to decongest.

4) OTC medications for adults and older children – cold and cough medicines can offer some much-needed relief for some of your symptoms. Be sure to follow the directions written on the labels so that you don’t experience any nasty side effects.

Honorary Mention: Vitamin C – At this time, there is no hard scientific evidence definitively stating that more vitamin C can effectively combat the common cold. But since vitamin C is vital for building a strong immune system, it definitely doesn’t hurt to drink extra glasses of orange juice or an actual vitamin C tablet (instead of a brand-name supplement as brands like Airborne purposefully created deceptive advertising and had to pay a substantial fine to the FTC.) Just don’t expect vitamin C to be the panacea for your cold.

Be well and take care of yourself this holiday season!