When winter rolls around each year, do you find yourself constantly battling a cold or virus? Getting sick is unavoidable at some point, but there are many things you can do to lower your risks, shorten your recovery time and improve your odds of staying healthy altogether. Along with following your doctor’s recommendations, making a habit of these simple changes is a great way to improve your overall health and wellness, especially during cold and flu season.

Keep Your Hands Clean

Make every effort to maintain germ-free hands and you can significantly reduce your sick days each year. Wash your hands often, including

. Before you eat

. When you return home

. After using the restroom, especially in public places

. After touching high-contact or shared surfaces

Avoid touching some of the dirtiest public surfaces whenever possible, such as door handles, faucets and waiting room magazines. Keep hand sanitizer with you at all times for when you can’t wash with soap and water. By keeping your hands clean, you can stop many germs from ever making their way into your body.

Reduce Stress

High levels of stress can be harmful to your immune system and can make it difficult to fight off some common illnesses. In addition, excessive stress can come with its own set of risks for developing serious health conditions. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep each night, and exercise often. Not only will you help keep your body’s systems in top shape but you’ll also reduce your stress level in the process.

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

In order to function at its best, your body needs a daily supply of essential vitamins and nutrients. Be sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein in your daily choices. Be sure to stay hydrated as well and consider some supplements to give your immune system a boost.

Treat Symptoms Early

Even if you wash your hands frequently, avoid high-risk areas and prioritize your overall health and wellness, it’s still possible to get sick every so often. How you treat the first signs of a potential illness can have a huge impact on the intensity and duration of symptoms. Some medications can help shorten the length and severity of symptoms when taken early on. If you start feeling poorly, consider these options along with extra rest for a faster recovery.

By making some smart and simple changes, you can improve your health and reduce your risks for some of the most common illnesses. A little preventative care can go a long way in maintaining a strong immune system that protects you from unnecessary sickness.