The fall weather is finally upon us, which means daily temperatures can go up and down, the mornings can be frosty, but the afternoons pleasantly crisp, and cold/flu season is looming. If you work in an office or enclosed space, colds can spread quickly. The chances for getting the latest bug increase if you’re also working or living around small children. However, just because you’re susceptible to becoming under the weather, doesn’t mean you have to succumb to a sore throat or runny nose. Here are some tricks and tips to avoid getting sick this season.

First and foremost, wash your hands! Of course, we should be washing our hands after we use a restroom, but how many times have you touched a credit card, doorknob, elevator buttons, etc., and not paid a visit to the sink before you eat, or touch your nose and mouth? Every time your fingers encounter a “public surface”, you run the risk of picking up germs. You also can be spreading germs on your keyboard, pen, headphones, and phone. To combat contamination, be sure to lather up with soup and wash off several times throughout the day, in addition to your regular bathroom breaks.

If you’re unable to wash your hands, sanitize. Having hand sanitizer at your desk, in your bag, and/or in the car will provide you with some germ-free peace of mind when hot water and soap are unavailable. Be sure to use sanitizers with an alcohol concentration of 60-95%, which are way more effective at killing germs than those that have lower alcohol. I also recommend using sanitizing wipes for your phone, keyboard, shared workplace surfaces, and exercise equipment — especially mats at the gym.

Steer clear of the sick. If you see someone coughing and sneezing at work, don’t sit by them, or hang out in their workspace. Of course, you don’t want to ostracize your ill co-workers, but kindly let them know you’re keeping your distance, and maybe soften this blow with a box of tissues or a cup of tea. If you’re in a management position, encourage staff to take their sick days to avoid infecting others. If you’re the sick party, and it’s just not feasible to take a sick day, quarantine yourself and let others know you are avoiding contact to keep the rest of your workplace healthy. If your child is sick, even though it’s hard, hold off on those goodnight kisses and make sure they keep their hands clean as much as possible.

For some preventive care, get a flu shot. This preemptive measure is hands down the best means for stopping the spread of the flu. There have been recent rumors that flu shots are more hassle than they are worth. True, some people do have bad reactions to the flu shot because they are allergic to ingredients in vaccines. Ask your doctor if this is something with which to concern yourself. Or, check the CDC website, especially if you are allergic to eggs. However, if you’re older than six months and are in relatively good health, you shouldn’t have a problem with standard flu shots.

Lastly, pay attention to your body. If you are feeling run down, groggy, tired, and like a cold is coming on, stay home and sleep. Rest is the best medicine for your immune system. There are also over-the-counter options, like Zycam, to ward off an oncoming cold. For at-home remedies try gargling some apple cider vinegar, amp up your vitamin C intake, and drink lots of fluids. Getting as much vitamin C as you can is never a bad idea. Water with lemon, pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, and V8 are all rich with vitamin C and have a lot less sugar than orange juice.

Even with the best of intentions, you can find yourself sick. If so, then take a sick day, get some sleep, stay hydrated, and drink citrus juices to help get better faster. It may not be ideal to miss a day of work, but in the larger scheme of things, your body and your co-workers will benefit.