Experts say that handwashing is a key strategy to prevent contracting or spreading illness to others, but many people do handwashing "wrong."

Since there is no "cure" for the common cold or the flu, turning to natural remedies is really the way to go.

Last year’s flu season brought the highest number of deaths and health complications since the dawn of modern tracking, so much so, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is worried that this flu season could result in a pandemic. 

It’s hard to imagine that our medically advanced society would be under threat; however, unpredictable and changing bacteria and viruses can leave our immune systems susceptible to being unfairly compromised.

While flu vaccination has an important role, it’s not the only strategy we should employ when it comes to prevention. Being proactive with your health means eating a healthful diet, getting adequate sleep and regular exercise, managing stress levels and washing hands frequently. 

Beyond lifestyle approaches, consider these holistic remedies to address common winter woes such as cold, flu, stomach aches, and joint discomfort.

Dr. Richard Webby reveals how effective this year's flu vaccine is and if it's worth getting.

There are endless winter health myths that we have heard from well-intentioned grandparents and parents. They have become so ingrained in us that we take them as cold hard facts. 

Many of these myths have no more basis in reality than Santa Claus. Of course, everyone wants to stay as healthy as possible during the frosty months. 

In order to do so sensibly, we turned to Board Certified NYC internist and gastroenterologist Dr. Niket Sonpal.

Flu does not discriminate. You may still catch it, even if you were diligent with your hand-washing, immune-boosting, and people-avoiding strategies. Five to 20 percent of the U.S. population comes down with flu each year, so there’s a good chance that you or a loved one may catch it. 

The key to dramatically cutting downtime from flu is to recognize, respond, and relax—and to know when to see your doctor if conditions worsen. I tell my patients that defense is the best offense against this virus. 

Here’s a day-by-day game plan, including what not to do and what to do, so you can recover quickly and get back to your daily demands.

If knowing your enemy is one of the first lines of defense in war, the tactic is especially apt when it comes to contending with germs. 

To help arm parents in the inevitable germ battle, here’s an overview of five common contagious illnesses and maladies that children are likely to encounter, as well as a few tips and tricks to treat and prevent them.

From doorknobs and telephones to the change you get at your corner convenience store, cold and flu viruses are everywhere.

Cold and flu season is unavoidable... or is it?

The flu shot receives a lot of attention at this time of year, but remedies for cold and flu season drastically differ depending on where you live in the world. 

From the Iranian Honeypot to the French homeopathic remedy Oscillococcinum, there are many culturally diverse ways to calm and minimize flu-like symptoms.

Common flu-like symptoms include fever, chills, body aches and pain.

From doorknobs and telephones to the change you get at your corner convenience store, cold and flu viruses are everywhere.

A "superbug" can be super scary.