When Winter hits, so does the flu, colds, virus, pneumonia and other irritating illnesses. Bundling up will not prevent everything. Children are germ carriers. Most the time their immune system is strong enough to ward off a lot of these germs, but they pick them up at school, day care, the library and after school activities, bring them home and gladly, unknowingly give them to everyone at home.

As we get older, depending on our overall health and how we take care of ourselves, our immune system is often weaker than a child's. There are some things you can do to boost and protect your immune system during these winter months. These tips don't just apply to adults, but to your children as well.

Of course one of the automatic things is to dress appropriately. Bundle up, not enough to where you will sweat, but enough to where you are comfortably warm and insulated. Cover you ears and hands, and your face if necessary to prevent over exposure to the elements and frostbite. Don't stand in the open door in your pajamas, don't walk outside without your coat, even if you are just checking the mail.

Disinfect the house, especially areas used by a number of people, including the kitchen and bathroom, phone areas, computers and entertainment areas. Vacuum several times a week to keep dust and allergens down. Disinfect garbage cans, sinks, play areas, door handles and table tops at least once a week. Teach your children clean habits, such as washing their hands before each meal, when they come in from school, when they blow their noses and when they cover a cough or sneeze. Follow these rules yourself.

Boost your system with extra Zinc and vitamin C. Drink plenty of fluids, exercise as much as you normally do in warmer months. Replace your furnace filters at least once a month, using the right kind to filter dust and allergens, and any thing that might get in through open doors. Use a cool mist humidifier to help your nose, throat and sinus from drying out.