According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity typically starts to increase in October and November, leading to the largest peaks in December and again in February. What are you doing to protect yourself?

Every year we are inundated with reports of possible flu pandemics and cautioned to get our flu shots early. For those of us who are staunch devotees of the annual flu shot, the sooner the better. This is especially true for nurses who, according to the CDC, come in contact with more infectious agents than the average person.

For those who are concerned about putting provocative proteins, such as flu shots, into their bodies–or anyone interested in boosting their resistance further–there are whole health alternatives that can be utilized to prevent from getting the flu. The number one determining factor as to whether or not you get a cold or flu is how resilient your immune system is. The healthier and more resilient your immune system, the least likely you are to get sick, get a cold or the flu.

What is the best way to keep your immune system health and resilient throughout the flu season?

The National Institute of Whole Health offers these tips to use for yourself and also to educate patients or clients you may be nursing or coaching throughout the upcoming flu season.

> Hygiene – Sounds too simple to be important, but hand washing is the number one prevention tool in avoiding colds and flus

> Proper Rest – Getting enough sleep is essential to your nervous and immune system functioning at optimal levels. Being sure not to “run yourself down”, as grandma might have told, is really good advice.

> Proper Nutrition – Vitamin C, B, A, D, E, enough protein, essential fatty acids and calcium rich foods are all important in keeping your body functioning well and having the resilience to fight off colds and the flu

> Keeping Stress Under Control – Stress suppresses your immune function. By keeping stress at bay you will allow your body its best advantage to stay healthy.

> Relax and Have Fun – Laughter and pleasure have been shown in clinical trials to enhance Immunoglobulins which increase immune function activity and keep us healthy. By creating time and opportunity for regular fun and pleasure you will help your body to help you stay well.

> Protection From The Elements – many people don’t realize that the weather and temperature have a significant impact on their stress adaptation and immune system. Being properly dressed against all forms of weather helps to prevent colds and flu.

These very simple yet essential tips for staying well can help, whether you choose to have a flu shot or not, to give your body the best advantage against flu season.

For more whole health discussions like this, listen to my weekly radio show Living Above The Drama available on iHeartRadio.