This year's flu season is one of the worst on record — people's lives are actually at stake. Now more than ever, it's important to protect ourselves from sickness and to make sure we stay healthy. Regardless, if you're trying to not get sick or if you feel it coming on, little actions that you take here and there can make a big impact on how you feel at the end of the day.

1. Wash your hands

Honestly, most of our bouts of sickness could have been prevented by simply washing our hands more often.The Center for Disease Control has a handy guide (see what I did there 😉) on when and how to wash your hands properly.

2. Keep your hands out of your mouth

…and any other object for that matter, too. If you're chewing on your nails, your pencils, or even a straw — you never know what germs you're coming into contact with.

3. Carry hand sanitizer with you

No sink? No problem! With thousands of mini hand sanitizers in a variety of scents on the market, there's no excuse for not having some Purel on you.

4. Wipe down your devices

Your phone, laptop or tablet: wipe it down. Food crumbs, communal classrooms, snotty fingers... shall I go on about the things that touch your screens and keyboards throughout the day?

5. Clean surfaces you touch daily

I'm talking about door handles, light switches, desks, and any other surfaces you may forget about. We're talking complete overhaul here, not even giving germs a chance.

6. Be careful when sharing

We all know that sharing is caring, but it's time to think twice when flu season rolls around. Mono, meningitis and other ailments aren't fun to deal with, and they're all due to sharing each other's things (and germs).

7. Take supplements

Daily multivitamins make it incredibly easy to ensure that you meet all your nutrient needs. Whether it's a pill or a gummy, get that those immune-boosting vitamins, girl!

8. Eat healthy food

How are you supposed to fight off germs and sickness if you're running on Hot Cheetos and Mountain Dew? Diets high in vitamins and minerals do a body good. I know it's not exciting to eat your greens, but you'll thank yourself later.

9. HYDRATE

If you're tired of hearing about how amazing water is for the body and soul, then get over it because water is here to stay (and for good reasons, too)! When you've properly hydrated yourself, your joints work better, you get fewer headaches, your heart functions better, and more. Plus, it clears your conscience knowing that you're putting something good into your body.

10. Make sure you're getting enough sleep

Sleep deprivation makes it harder for the body to do its job. WebMD wrote an article about how sleep heals the body, citing that it makes us happier, helps us make decisions, and more. Also, sleeping in bed helps prevent you spreading sickness to anyone else.

11. Take time to de-stress

Your body can't function and defend itself as well when it's under copious amounts of stress. Engage in a #SelfCareSunday or just do a simple bubble bath and face mask. Whatever makes your heart happy, go for it.

Good luck, and happy recovery!