Winter is just around the corner (officially, that is, although many would contend it’s already arrived), and with it is coming the cold and flu season. When the temperature gets down to negative 10 degrees, as it can in Iola, people need to take care of themselves and ensure immune systems aren’t compromised.

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, some ways to prevent sickness or to feel better if an illness occurs are:

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use a clean humidifier or mist vaporizer
• Avoid smoking, second-hand smoking and other pollutants
• Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen to relieve pain or fever

Colds and viral infections can last up to two weeks, so people should keep their health care provider informed if an illness gets worse or lasts longer.

Over- the-counter medicines can help relieve some symptoms,such as runny nose, congestion, fever and aches, but they do not shorten the length of time one is sick.

For more information about cold and flu and how to avoid or prevent illness, visit www.cdc.gov.