The cold weather can cause many of us to suffer from the dreaded flu. Coughing and sneezing from someone infected by the flu can cause that to spread to other people. You want to do everything you can to avoid the cold or flu because having it is dreadful. It can make doing simple tasks feel even more difficult simply because you feel miserable. Here are some simple habits you can start doing to avoid the flu, according to doctors.

The most important way to prevent the flu from spreading is to wash your hands. "Our hands are very dirty, and a lot of people cough into their hands or wipe their noses constantly," Drew Massengill, RN, BSN, an infection preventionist at Natividad Hospital in Salinas, CA, told a news portal. Adding,“I can’t speak to that enough. The CDC recommends that hand washing last 20 seconds—about the time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice—and make sure you wash your thumbs, the backs of your hands, and your cuticles." If you are unable to wash your hands, use hand sanitizers.

A good night's sleep can help make your body strong. Make sure you sleep on time and keep the same pattern going throughout the week. You should also exercise regularly and limit your alcohol and coffee intake. Michael Breus, PhD, author of The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan suggests spending at least 15 minutes in the sunlight.

“If you have the option of working from home–take it. If you can work in an area that is less crowded or has less contact with people, do it, "Kristine Arthur, MD, an internist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, told a news portal. Adding, "When shopping, I try to avoid peak busy times when stores are crowded, and you are exposed to a higher number of possibly sick shoppers.” If you are sick or are interacting with a person that might be, then take precaution and avoid shaking hands.

Vitamin D helps keep the immune system strong and healthy. “Vitamin D is thought to influence specific types of immune responses directly, and a vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher likelihood of getting an infection," Chirag Shah, MD, former medical director of Accesa Health, a medical center in Southern California, told a news portal. "Vitamin D levels can be boosted through moderate sunlight exposure and eating foods rich in vitamin D… or else quality vitamin D supplements,”Shah further explained. Fatty fish like tuna and salmon are foods rich in vitamin D.