It's that time of year again: cold and flu season! There are many helpful ways you can avoid catching unwanted bugs like getting your annual flu shot, washing your hands often, and avoiding contact with others that are sick. In addition to these steps, you must make a special effort to care. It is your immune system that identifies and destroys the harmful bacteria and viruses that so often make you miserably sick.

A healthy immune system will sometimes destroy unwanted intruders even before you experience symptoms. You can keep your immune system healthy and protect yourself from misery by making sure you are getting enough sleep, staying adequately hydrated, and eating a balanced diet But because your life is hectic and no one eats perfectly, taking vitamins and dietary supplements are great ways to ensure that your immune system is working at its fullest potential.

But what supplements do you take to help boost your immune system against the common cold and flu? The following vitamins and dietary supplements are thought to help the immune system fight unwanted germs at faster rate making and ease their accompanying symptoms.