Cold season

For all the medical news about amazing breakthroughs and encouraging trends, the biggest health topic at this time of the year is what to do about the common cold.

While flu vaccines ward off the most likely strains of influenza virus. cold germs are around us -- and on us -- most of the time. Preventing those germs from turning into a full-blown cold isn't always possible, but doing what your mother told you to do when you were growing up is still sound medical advice.

Wash your hands. Often. Particularly after each trip to the bathroom. This may sound corny to folks whose medicine cabinets are well stocked with syrups and pills. But the fact is avoiding a cold is easier than dealing with the misery of stuffy noses, congested chests and aching heads and muscles.

One of the simplest ways to prevent colds is to stay at home if you are sniffling and sneezing. Taking your cold to work with you means everyone you work with is more likely to develop symptoms.

Do yourself, your family, your friends and your co-workers a favor: Do everything you can to stay healthy, and keep your germs to yourself if you get a cold.