We turned back the clock a few days ago, and the holiday months are officially here. The changing season signals shorter and colder days ahead and the onset of cold and flu season.

Now, if this were a regular year, 2 out of 3 of us would come down with a cold, and close to 1 in 10 of us would get the flu. But this is not a regular year. Experts are still struggling to understand what cold and flu season might look like this winter, with the virus still raging. Without a doubt, experts are concerned with hospital beds and medical staff shortages, plus things like PPE being limited.

No matter how things shake out, it's essential you plan ahead and do all you can to protect yourself and your family this year. Let's take a look at 5 things you can do to prepare yourself:

1. Get A Flu Shot

Thanksgiving is the time that flu generally starts to spread. So make an appointment and get your flu shot before turkey day.

According to the CDC, the flu vaccines prevents about 4.4 million cases of flu and about 3,500 flu-related deaths. Getting the shot also reduces the risk that you'll need to see a doctor this winter by about 60%, reducing the impact on our overworked medical personnel.

2. Avoid Large Crowds

With the holidays upon us, it's challenging to avoid your friends and family altogether. At the same time, if you can limit your contact with people outside your circle, you can reduce your risk of getting an infection.

Cold and flu spread quickly in tightly confined spaces like schools, restaurants, nursing homes, and houses of worship. If you simply can't avoid a crowd, wear a face mask. And keep your distance from anyone that's coughing, sneezing, or shows any signs of illness.

3. Keep Surfaces Clean

You reduce your risk of contracting a cold or flu by keeping all the surfaces in your house clean and disinfected. Use a cleaner that's proven to kill viruses like Lysol sprays and Clorox bleach.

And of course, wash your hands… a lot. Twenty seconds of soap scrubbing kills the germs. With many months into the virus, we've all gotten lots of practice with good cleaning and hygiene - so this step is a no brainer.

4. Don't Touch Your Face

When you're in your home and mask free, avoid touching your face unless you've washed your hands. Not touching your face keeps flu and cold bugs that may be on your hands from getting into your body through your nose, mouth, and eyes.

When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth, best with the inside of your elbow. It's the most effective way to stop the spread of your germs to those around you.

5. Boost Your Immune System

Your immune system fights off nasty bugs when they invade your body. It's also responsible for making you well again if you do get sick. A healthy immune system is the ultimate protection against colds, flu, and viruses.

There are a few ways to build up the strength of your immune system. Get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Get daily exercise, at least 30 minutes. Avoid things that weaken your immune system like sugar, junk food, and alcohol. And add nutrients known to boost your health like zinc.

According to the Harvard T. H Chan School of Public Health, zinc plays a role in the growth and function of your immune system cells. Zinc helps activate T-cells, which are the cells responsible for controlling and regulating your immune system response. A deficiency of this essential mineral means the cells that protect your body from outside invaders like cold and flu bugs can't respond quickly enough.

Zinc is in foods like spinach, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and grass-fed beef. If you don't think you're getting enough zinc from your food, try supplementing with our potent male health-enhancing blend, Predoxen. It provides ample amounts of zinc to support your immune system with the added benefits of intensifying your sexual performance, energy, and pleasure. Predoxen is a smart approach to boost your sexual function and performance while also supporting your immune system and overall male health.

Sources: Kang, Soo-Won, and Hye-Young Min. 2012. "Ginseng, The 'Immunity Boost': The Effects Of Panax Ginseng On Immune System". Journal Of Ginseng Research 36 (4): 354-368. doi:10.5142/jgr.2012.36.4.354. https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a33958097/how-to-protect-yourself-from-cold-flu-2020/ https://www.healthline.com/health/flu/how-to-prevent-flu-naturally#wash-your-hands