It’s that time of year again, the season in which allergies combined with viruses infest the noses of many. Coats, scarves, leggings, and boots are dug out from the closet. Vitamins, vapor rubs, and tissue paper become stocked at work, school, and home. Illnesses become more frequent because of the change of weather and climate. Oftentimes when showing signs of illness people feel it almost necessary to give advice on how to treat your ailments. Sometimes the advice is rational, and can really help. Other times the advice they give is based on their personal, even superstitious beliefs. How can you distinguish what is good advice from bad? Taking their advice and trying out what they recommend or using good judgment and rationality are options. The best thing to do in order to prevent catching a cold or other illness would be to continuously wash your hands. Eating healthy and having a lot of vitamin c help the immune system be strong; if the immune system is strong you are less susceptible to getting sick. Getting plenty of rest is also helpful to eliminate the possibility of catching an illness, that along with getting a vaccine to prevent the flu are some of the best, doctor approved tips to avoiding illness. Common sense can also be a great tool in avoiding illness. Getting plenty of rest, eating healthy (get those vitamins in), bundling up in the cold weather, and avoiding those who are sick are key things to remember this sickly season. Remember these tips in order to avoid getting “down with the sickness”.