The cold season is in full swing in the Upstate, but experts say the old common sense ways of staying healthy are best.
First, beware of close contact. A lot of germs can be transferred from person to person just by breathing on each other.
Also, stay at home when you fall ill. You may feel OK, but you can pass germs to others at school and work if you are still contagious.
When you cough, cover your mouth and nose. Some health experts say the best way to avoid transferring germs is to sneeze or cough into your elbow. That way you won't spread anything with your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Germs are often spread when someone touches something that is contaminated and then touches these areas of the face which are traditionally moist.
And finally, clean your hands. This is the No. 1 way to protect against nasty germs. Soap and water does the trick, but if you have and alcohol-based hand sanitizer that can work in a pinch.