— Wash your hands. This is probably the No. 1 tip of all, as it is the very best way to prevent the spread of flu and other associated respiratory infections. In order to kill the flu virus, you need to scrub your hands thoroughly in warm water with soap for about 20 seconds. Don’t touch your mouth, nose or hands without washing first.

— Gut health: Healing your gut is key to prevent all disease, as 80 percent of your immune system is situated in your gut. Taking a proven, powerful, organic, multi-strain probiotic is a great way to maintain gut health, and will help you keep your levels of good gut bacteria high enough to battle infectious viruses.

— Lower alcohol, sugar: Lowering your intake of alcohol helps because even moderate consumption can suppress your central nervous system and, thus, your immune response. Cutting out sugars (which you should be doing anyway) will provide a boost to your immune system and make it easier for your body to fight off flu. Also, too much sugar and alcohol make you more susceptible to gun infections like candida and SIBO, both of which suppress your immune system and can cause leaky gut.

— Get rid of stressors: Lowering your levels of stress will go a long way towards reducing your chances of getting the flu this year (and every year). You may consider things like exercise, yoga, meditation, and other stress reduction and relaxation techniques. Here’s a great site for tips of all kinds.

— Sleep! Get some rest — no, really — like between seven and nine hours every night. A well-rested body is necessary for peak immune system response, and your body relies on sleep to recuperate from your daily exposure to toxins.

— Consider an immune-booster: Supplements containing immunoglobulins and protein will help give your immune system an added boost for flu season and beyond. Immune system optimizers like Colostrum, for instance, will boost IgA antibodies, or your body’s first line of defense. These are produced by immune cells in your (healthy) gut and can even deactivate harmful pathogens and toxins.

— Vitamin C and Turmeric supplementation can also boost your immunity and help you better stave off the flu bug. These are antioxidants and they are extremely important immune system boosters while helping your liver with its detoxification role. Curcumin gives turmeric its orange appearance but it is also a potent antioxidant that can assist with joint health as well, according to studies. Vitamin C is a known, potent antioxidant.

Consider a Zinc supplement as well, and optimize your vitamin D intake too, as the latter is a powerful immune system modulator.

Flu shots are not the best answer to fighting off flu. Staving off flu viruses naturally not only works but these methods also keep your immune system in tip-top shape year round.