There are many practical ways to prevent the cold and flu and they involve being mindful in the presence of those who are ill and careful to cover your bases on personal health and hygiene, experts say.

If you shake hands with those at work or socially, don't forget to wash your own hands immediately. Surprisingly, germs are passed quickly via a handshake, according to Health magazine, which notes that running water acts as a flushing agent to push germs and bacteria away from your skin.

Doctors told WebMD.com that they use hand sanitizer regularly and wash routinely with warm water and soap.

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“I try to wash for 20 seconds — sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to myself twice,” registered nurse Nancy Hughes, who works as the director of the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health in Silver Spring, Maryland, told WebMD. “I use a paper towel to dry my hands and to turn off the faucet, especially in public bathrooms.”

Keep your hands away from your nose and your eyes — they are good portals for germs to enter your system, Health added of protecting yourself from infections.

Exercise also helps to prevention flu and colds. It helps to bolster the immune system, the magazine noted.

Remember that surfaces used by multiple people tend to harbor germs, WebMD.com said. From computers, to door handles to pens at the bank that have been used by many customers daily — germs are lurking. Carry hand sanitizer and also antiseptic wipes. Clean your surfaces like your desk, phone and computer keyboard every day.

Consider a seasonal flu shot, Everyday Health suggested, adding that "studies have found that in healthy adults, the flu vaccine can decrease the chances of coming down with the flu by as much as 70 percent to 90 percent. Though there's still a chance you could get sick, the flu vaccine can lessen the severity and duration of your symptoms."

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Drink up. By consuming plenty of water or fluids daily, you help your immune system fight back, Everyday Health said. The website noted that "one recent study found that staying hydrated may boost a particular immune response to enable your body to better fight the viruses."

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