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Everyone tries keeping their germs to themselves over the holidays.

But more hugs, kisses and handshakes mean more chances for the cold and flu to spread.

There are definitely a few bugs going around. So we have some tips for avoiding them. And if it’s too late for that, protecting your loved ones from the same fate.

It’s seems overly simple, but washing your hands is one of the best ways to stay flu free.

And it’s important, because catching it is all too easy.

Pharmacist Wassim Houneini, Shoppers Drug Mart: “By touching the same surfaces, by hand shaking. By a lot of means it’s very easy to be spread.”

Both cold and flu virus live in droplets of mucus that scatter when we cough or sneeze.

Pharmacist Wassim Houneini: “These droplets would be filled with the infection that will be spread on our hands, on the surfaces. On everywhere.”

Coughing into an elbow, or sanitizing your hands after you sneeze helps kill the infection before it spreads. But reducing your cough at the outset with a cough suppressant or lozenges means the germs don’t even make it out of your mouth.

Houneini: “By reduction of the cough, we are reducing the spreading of the infection.”

Before taking anything, you should definitely talk to your pharmacist because some people with high blood pressure, thyroid problems or diabetes may have problems with these medications.

Wassim Houneini: “These medications may interfere with other prescription medications that the patient would take or may cause side effects.”

There are safe herbal alternatives that can keep your cough at bay. But if you feel that tickle in your throat climbing, aim for the elbow of your non-dominant hand. And wash up right away.

You can also still get the flu shot. It may not protect you for Christmas, because it can take up to two weeks to activate. But after Christmas is over, we have a lot more winter left.