Flu and cold this season, the best ways to prevent them

As temperatures drop it also signals the start of flu and cold season.

But how do you protect yourself from seasonal viruses, which usually peak during the colder months?

What exactly is flu season?

Influenza viruses actually exist year-round, but cases usually increase when the weather gets colder and peak in mid-winter.

How do colds and flu spread?

Basically, the virus spreads from an infected person through saliva, nasal secretions, coughing, sneezing or close contact, health experts explain. Although less likely, you can get sick indirectly by touching a surface that an infected person has touched before.

What are the main differences between cold and flu symptoms?

According to experts, since the flu virus changes from year to year, the symptoms also change. However, both are respiratory diseases, but caused by different viruses.

The telltale signs of flu are severe body or muscle aches, headache, fever, shortness of breath, cough and a general feeling of tiredness.

While cold symptoms can come on more gradually and include a sore throat, runny nose, cough, sinus congestion, watery eyes, fever, mild body aches and sometimes a rash. Frequent sneezing can also indicate that you have a cold.

The best ways to prevent the flu or cold

One way to protect yourself is by not touching your mouth with unwashed hands, cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, wash your hands often and avoid close contact with sick people.

What should you do if you get sick?

If you think you have the flu or a cold, diagnosis will help you get the right treatment. Otherwise, your immune system will try to fight it on its own.

In the meantime, stay home so you don't spread the virus to other people.