By Deborah Mitchell for eMaxHealth.com

As the cold and flu season gets into full swing, it’s important for everyone to do what they can to prevent and, when necessary, effectively treat these infections. If you have diabetes, it is especially important to know how to prepare for cold and flu, as having this disease can make you more susceptible to health complications.

Get ready to fight viruses

Arm yourself for a fight against the viruses that cause cold and flu. Jennifer Collins, MD, who practices allergy and immunology in New York City, advises people with diabetes to consume 500 mg of vitamin C daily, wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds, sneeze or cough into your elbow (and not your hand), get a sufficient amount of sleep and exercise, and “make it a priority to get vaccinated for influenza before the flu season starts in February.”

Both the common cold and the flu (influenza) are viral infections that affect the respiratory system, and while the symptoms for each of these conditions have similarities, there are also some differences.

To learn more, head here.