As we head into the colder months the chances of facing cold and flu increase because germs and organisms survive longer in cold conditions. This means they have a better shot at people hopping thus the increased cases of illness.
Perhaps it can be compared to a game of ‘duck duck goose’, the chosen one very well could be the one which has their defences down. So, your best odd at winning are to build your defence by strengthening your immune system, so that it’s less likely that illness finds refuge in your body.
How to Boost your Immune System
- Exercise regularly
- Get adequate sleep
- Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and probiotics
- Limit Stress
- Drink adequate water
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Control your blood pressure
- Wash your hands frequently
- Get the flu vaccine
Most of the above ways to boost the immune system are good lifestyle choices that are better for the body and mind. Many of these are maintained through habit and are ones that you should actively work on.
Yet the immune boosting tip of getting your flu vaccine doesn’t require a long-term commitment and is very simple to get. Depending on how well the vaccine is matched to this year’s common viruses, 70-90 per cent of flu cases can be averted through vaccination. It’s one of the best defences out there.
Here’s an image that illustrates one of the great reasons why it’s important to get vaccinated, because sometimes sharing is not caring. Almost half of Canadians (46%) say they just aren’t that concerned with spreading the flu to others, and the same amount say they aren’t planning on getting vaccinated this year!
Well, that sets us all off to a bad start don’t you agree? I personally prefer the photo to the right than the left.
Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies across the country are making it easy by offering flu immunizations administered by an injection-certified pharmacist at all hours, without an appointment, just walk-in. You’ve probably noticed the signs out already, I have!
Keep this in mind when you stop at Shoppers Drug Mart for your shopping – with no appointment, you can walk out with those immune-boosting vitamins, having gotten some exercise and your flu vaccine!
Where could you use some improvement in boosting your immune system?
One Canadian reader will win a prize pack from Shoppers Drug Mart.
With a value of $150, it includes the following items:
- Life Brand Hand Sanitizer
- Cough Drops
- Vaporizing Cold Rub
- Electrolyte Maintenance Powder
- Disinfectant Wipes
- Vaporizer
- PC chicken noodle soup
- PC facial tissues
- PC Feeling Soothed Tea
- $100 gift card
TO ENTER: Fill in the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!
Disclosure: I am compensated for my part in the #SDMFluFighters program, all opinions are my own.
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Ann-Marie Vaughan says
I take vitamins.
Lyubov Fridlyand says
Me too.
Vanessa says
This would be great to have on hand!
Judy Cowan says
I take vitamins, make sure I drink a lot of water and try to get enough sleep. Plus I protect by getting the flu shot.
Lynda Cook says
I take vitamins, drink plenty of water, eat healthy and dress to what the weather is going to be like!!
BlessedTA says
I eat right
claire Scovill says
Take vitamin’s lots of water and sleep.
Joanne Saunders says
I take lots of vitamin C. Preferably naturally.
Ali P says
By exercising regularly, and drinking lots of water.
Francine says
I wash my hands often and get a flu shot!
Joni W says
I try to boost my immune system by taking vitamins and drink lots of water.
Glogirl says
I boost my immune system by taking a multi-vitamin daily.
Gillian Morgan says
I wash my hands very often. I also take vitamins and I get my flu shot every year.
Lisa McLain says
Vitamins and healthy eating
Chandra O'Connor says
I take vitamins and wash hands eat right.
Florence Cochrane says
I take a multi vitamin and omega3 every day.
Jenny Major says
I take vitamins.
Vivian Dionne says
I boost my immune system by drinking lots of water and washing my hands frequently.
Amy Dell says
I take extra vitamin c and drink lots of water
Erica Seaman says
I drink warm honey and cinnamon every morning.
Carla B says
Plenty of orange juice and lots of sleep!
Elizabeth R says
I bump up the vitamin c big time through the colder months.
Jennifer P. says
I boost my immune system by eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies, drinking lots of water and tea (and Emergen-C if I am feeling run down), getting fresh air, taking a multivitamin, and getting a flu shot.
Donna Wilson says
I boost my immune system by doing all of your suggestions!
Anne-Marie Tvete says
We take vitamins every day and try to eat healthy.
409cope says
I boost my immune system with vitamin C, the flu shot and lots of hand washing.
Melinda Jana says
I take vitamins and sleep enough
Nicole B says
I take vitamins and try to get as much sleep as my children allow!!
Tara says
We take our vitamins and make sure we get lots of sleep. When you’re tired, you get sick quicker.
Jay M says
I exercise and stick to healthy foods (most of the time).
Sherry moffitt says
I eat healthy, drink lots of fluids and always wash my hands.
christine w says
I take my vitamins!
Tara Betterley says
I take a Daily Vitamin but, I am also told to eat an orange every day.. Don’t know if it works but, I like it..
Elaine G says
I try to eat healthy and drink lots of water.
Linda Peters says
Lots of water, daily excerise and vitamins and as many veggies that I can get into me in the run of the day, and finally a good sleep
Lee-Ann S says
We boost our immune system by making sure we eat lots of fruits and vegetables even though they aren’t always readily available.
Jasen H says
If I feel that my immune system needs a boost I up my Vitamin C intake for a few days.
Amy C says
I take a mult vitamin daily.
Debbie White Beattie says
I take Vitamin C and a Multi Vitamin to boost my system
Alayne Langford says
I take vitamins including omegas!! 🙂
Krista M says
I take Vitamin C, try to get plenty of rest every night, hand washing & using antibacterial wipes on surfaces like shopping carts & door handles, etc.
Josh S says
I wash my hands frequently and take vitamins
Tricia Cooper says
I wash my hands like a surgeon frequently throughout the day!
Sunshine G says
I try to get extra sleep and get my flu shot.
Kristy. V says
I inctease my Vitamin C levels and make sure to get plenty of rest 🙂
Marlene J says
Use Echinacea , vitamin c
Tainan Lu says
I take vitamins.
Laurent L says
I always get my 7.5 hours of sleep and I walk a lot to get my exercise. I’m always the healthiest of my friends.
Shelley N says
I boost my immune system by a lot of fruit plus I use vitamins and usually I get a flu shot
Seham M says
always taking daily vitamins
lori butler says
i take multi vitamins and drink lots of water
Carol Denny says
I get the flu shot and I take vitamins.
Treen Goodwin says
I get the flu shot and take Vitamin D 🙂
Soozle says
I practice good hand hygiene to keep myself from getting sick
Julie F says
I get the flu shot and take daily vitamins!
Jenna D says
To boost my immune system, I make sure to exercise regularly, and wash my hands frequently!
Donnas says
I wash my hands frequently, and take daily doses of vitamins. I also try to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Jamie hall says
I get a flu shot and eat a balanced diet
Naiddia says
To boost my immune system I take vitamins and drink lots of water.
Wendy hutton says
I take vitamins and eat a lot of fruits and veggies
Tamara M says
We try to live healthy, balanced lifestyles to boost immune systems in our house! We always try to take vitamins, get the flu shot, and sleep well! Thanks so much for the chance! 🙂
yvonne says
I boost my family’s immune system by ensuring that vitamins and supplements are taken daily and we also increase the amount of citrus fruits during Fall/Winter.
christine murray says
I make sure I wash my hands frequently. I try to take vitamins daily and drink lots of water and eat healthy.
Nicole s says
I heard that if you put an onion on your bedside it’s suppose to take the toxins away and make you flu clear up faster. I’m gonna try that next time me or my family gets sick. Great giveaway, thanks for the chance.
Erika Letson says
I use Vitamin C, plenty of rest and healthy eating to boost my immune system!
Susan Spidle says
I got a flu shot and take my vitamins.
Irene Eichler says
I try to eat right and take vitamins and probiotics daily!
Dar says
Washing hands and taking vitamins!
Esther Abel says
I take walks (especially since my legs have bad circulation) wash my hands often Take a LB multivitamin daily Vitamin C chewable Xx And have gotten my flu shot at my neighbourhood SDM 😘
Ira says
Oregano oil and vitamin C are my all times favorites.
Kim K says
I wash my hands often, I eat healthy, plus I take vitamin C and a multivitamin through the winter months.
kristen visser says
we boost our immune systems by taking a daily vitamin, drinking lots of water and making sure we get lots of rest
Robyn Bellefleur says
I take multi-vitamins everyday for a boost.
Cheryl says
I like to eat lots of fruits and veggies
kathy downey says
I boost my immune system by eating right,exercise and proper rest
Jonnie says
I take vitamins, stay hydrated and eat lots of fresh produce and protein.
louise says
I take vitamin’s and also get my flu shots
Angela Smith says
i take vitamin c and eat very healthy foods
SweetPanda says
I try to have exercises three times a week and take multi-vitamins
angela m says
I boost my immune system by drinking plenty of water, washing my hands, and getting a good nights sleep.
SweetPanda says
I try to have exercises three times a week and take multi-vitamins.
Jody D says
Lots of extra fruits and veggies in the winter are important!
Kim Stenner says
I get lots of sleep and eat healthy
Elva Roberts says
I boost my immune system by eating more fruit and vegetables. I try to keep a regular schedule of walking and stretching during the winter months.
I also get a flu shot every fall and encourage my family and others to do so as well. Thank you for your trips.
Stephanie LaPlante says
I always get my flu shot and sanitize everything including door knobs
nicky says
I eat fruit and veggies and stay hydrated.
Jada says
I always try to get enough rest. I know I get sick when I’m overtired.
Brenda Penton says
I exercise almost everyday. Since I started, I find I am sick way less.
Tammy Dalley says
I take vitamins and get lots of sleep
ivy pluchinsky says
I take lots of vitamins, drink orange juice too.
Jenn says
I boost my immune system by exercising regularly and eating power foods come fall and winter.
Allie f says
I stay hydrated, practice yoga, and eat whole foods!
Nicole Jubleew says
I supplement with Vit. D and try and get plenty of sleep.
joy says
i try to get lots of sleep
Stephanie says
My tips are to eat lots of fruits and veggies, take vitamins, and wash your hands constantly!
Andrea says
I boost my immune system by taking vitamins!
Melinda says
I take a multivitamin every day.
Susan T. says
I juice! I drink a ton of fresh vegetables and fruits every day.
Pam says
Daily walking seems to help.
Susanne McCarthy says
I try to remember to take daily multi-vitamins….drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep!?
loriag says
I boost my immune system with extra sleep and echinacea.
dave says
I take vitamins
Jackie M says
I get the flu shot, wash my hands and take my vitamins and minerals!
jan says
hands must be washed after entering our house
Luzviminda Gunter-Smith says
wash my hands and taking vitamins
Carol M says
Frequent hand washing and trying to eat healthy.
sarah alexis says
I eat healthy and drink lots of water!
ginette4 says
I boost my immune system by taking vitamins and washing my hands often
Tina L. says
I boost my immune system by taking vitamins
Darwin Chau says
I make sure I take my multivitamins and getting enough rest.
Amie says
I eat extra fruit , lots of oranges and healthy snacks !
caroline m. says
We cook fresh meals from wholesome foods and try to avoid restaurants & pre made foods
Juliee Fitze says
I take care vitamin C and D to keep my immune system up.
Amanda Neilson says
Lots and lots of water and vitamins! And of course our flu shot.
Cheryl MacPhail says
I try and eat healthy in order to boost mine 🙂
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
I take vitamins daily and get my flu shot every year. 🙂
leanne says
Drink lots of water and try to eat right
tracy k says
eating lots of oranges
@jennyhall_ca says
I get lots of sleep
Amina says
I exercise regularly and drink lots and lots of water!
LisaM says
I always make sure to keep water handy!
Maria McLachlan says
Eating lots of fruit and veg
Andrea Amy says
I try to remember my vitamins (i’m bad at it though) but I do try to eat a well balanced diet with lots of fresh produce, even in the winter.
Victoria Ess says
I drink lots of fluids and eat fruits with vitamin C!
Lucy says
I supplement over the wintertime.
Trisha says
I try to stay away from sick people however you sometimes don’t know someone sick so I swear by keeping your hand scrubbed and sanitized if you can’t wash them and eating healthy never hurt anyone.
Anna Roszak-Robinson says
I need to do more for myself, I try to take vitamins and eat more fruits and veggies. Thanks so much for this chance to win <3
Bailey Dexter says
I eat healthy all year long as well as take vitamins to feel better. First sign of the flu I make chicken soup!
Wendy Jensen says
I take Vitamin C to boost my immune system.
cheryl hodgkins says
I eat lots of veggies and whole grain foods
sage says
I take vitamins and iron
travelbuds says
I try to eat lots of veggies and sometimes I take vitamins.
joanne darrell says
I wash my hands frequently and walk everyday.
Lorrie Coleman says
I take vitamin D and eat a balanced meal also am trying to get more exercise by either walking or riding my stationary bike
Anna Philippe says
I take muti vitamins and eat healthy
Amber barrett says
I haven’t done anything really to be healthier etc but I was given a bottle of vitamins and am starting to really want to be healthier etc so this would definitely help I’m sure my iron is low and I don’t have enough vitamins in my system so this would really help and I love shoppers!!
Crystal evanisky says
I wash my hands faithfully get plenty of sleep and use cinnamon and raw honey weekly
heidi c. says
I take lots of vitamins!
Carey Hurst says
I am active daily, drink lots of water, I use gratitude,
shane s says
i take my vitamins daily, eat healthy and try not to touch my face
M james says
I eat raw, unpasteurized honey everyday & use Essential oils in a diffuser.
Denise Morris says
I drink lots of water and wash my hands often!!
missbobloblaw says
I boost my immune system by drinking water, taking vitamins & eating lots of ginger & garlic!
Shannon Mark says
vitamin c
Shannon says
I take vitamins, use bone broth often and add tumeric into our meals!
Elizabeth Vlug says
I try to boost my immune system by being proactive when it comes to my health. I try to eat healthy, whole foods, take my supplements and get my rest. Doesn’t always work, but I am more aware. Thanks for the fabulous giveaway.
Rhonda W G. says
I have just begun taking oregano oil daily and I really feel it helps wonders!
Carole Dube says
I drink plenty of water, take vitamins, eat healthy and exercise!
Wayne Lecoy says
It would be great to win a Shoppers Drug Mart Prize Pack.
In response to your question of
How do you boost your immune system?
I drink Orange Juice,take Vitamins and try to get enough sleep at night.
Thank you for having this giveaway.
Laurie P says
Vitamins, and eating the right food. We sure do love our veggies!
Suzanne g says
I try to eat a lot of vegetables, beans, fruits and salmon for protein. I also get the flu shot every year.
Tracy D says
I’m a big believer in Vitamin C, so fruit or a supplement in the winter is a must!
Amy Lovell says
we take vitamins and try to drink lots of liquids!
Scott MacMillan says
I am a vegetarian and eat as many different colours of vegetables,beans and fruits as possible.I also use supplements
ashleigh swerdfeger says
Elderberry syrup, raw garlic and drinking lots of water. Also, getting enough sleep.
Karla Sceviour says
I drink plenty of orange juice,and take multivitamins.
Janet M says
I do take Vitamins daily and I eat well.
Heather Ritz says
I drink lots of water, take my vitamins and eat right
Jo Vanderwolf says
I drink lots of water a get lots of sleep.
Jeanette Jackson says
I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and get at least 8 hours of sleep a night
em says
i take multivitamins and i also take cold-fx
Sirkku says
I take a garlic pill daily during winter months.
maria says
Lots of rest, staying warm and lots of handwashing
l p says
laugh long and hard at every opportunity. thanks
Lana Thompson says
I have upped my water game as well as trying to get more sleep
Doris Humber says
I drink Vitamin Water.
Julia H says
I try to avoid sugar, which depresses your immune system. I also try to go for a daily walk, because exersice boots your immune system.
Linda says
I take vitamin C pills in the winter to boost my immune system.
Nate Fuller says
I try to eat as many fruits and veggies as I can every day!
Mike Foley says
The tea that comes in the basket is amazing. I drink that all the time. Delicious. 😋
Sarah Stickney says
I exercise regularly.
Michelle Policelli says
I drink plenty of water, get lots of sleep and always dress according to how to the weather is going to be.
Sarah Smart says
I take extra vitamins , try to catch up on my sleep and eat more greens
CL Chin says
i will take my vitamins, gargle with salt water if i feel a sore throat coming on, take my zinc supplements and eat my fruits and vegetables too!
Bailey says
I try to get 8 hours of sleep a night, drink lots of water and take echinacea at the first sign of a bug.
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
we all take vitamins.
KittyPride says
I boost my immune system by eating oranges and taking vitamins.
Karine says
I get a lot of sleep and eat well!
Iulia zwicker says
I make sure I drink a lot of water and take vitamins – more in the winter than I do in the summer months
K cf Peters says
plenty of fluids and a positive attitude help. thx
Tooth Fairy says
I drink herbal tea, and walk daily, sleep well, take some vitamins and try to eat healthy vegies and fruit and yogurt..
Carolle Hall says
I do take vitamins to help
Rick F says
By eating a lot of fresh fruit
Linda Svarovsky says
Vitamins and lots of sleep
Patrick Siu says
i take mineral supplements
Maria says
We take vitamins and try to get more sleep
Kim Tanti says
I take probiotics and eat right. ( most of the time) lol
Jolie says
I take vitamins, wash my hands often, eat well and try to catch enough hours of sleep.
tanyab79 says
Take my daily vitamins, drink plenty of water and eat lots of veggies.
Amanda Fontaine says
I am constantly washing my hands and ensuring everyone in our home does so as well. I also tend to steer clear of anyone who is sick and not feeling well.
Chris C says
I try to wash my hands all the time but I am exposed to so many germs at work. 🙁 Suffering from a cold right now!
Gail Butler says
Eating healthy and taking pro biotics.
Mary Lou MacKenzie says
I boost my immune system by getting lots of exercise, eating a healthy diet with lots of veggies & fruit and by getting my flu shot. I am trying to reduce my stress and get more sleep, but finding that more of a challenge.
KellyPC says
I try to stay hydrated & eat lots of fresh veggies!
Barb W says
Sleep is a great immune system booster 😉
Jenness M says
Daily vitamins and I make sure I get lots of sleep.
Carole B. says
I take aged garlic, D vitamin, Zinc and C vitamin
Wanda Tracey says
I take vitamins C and D and I try to get lots of rest when my body is tired.I think it’s important to drink plenty of fluids too.
Erin W says
I boost my immune system by making sure I get outside at least once a day! Fresh air is so important to your health!
Susan Spidle says
I take vitamins and get a flu shot
Sandra McG says
i exercise, take garlic and I also got my flu shot!
Mandy says
I boost my immune system by eating lots of vitamin and fruit.
Erinn Lishman says
I boost my immune system by getting outside, regardless of the weather!
Sherry K says
I take probiotics.
Lindsay C. says
I boost my immune system by drinking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar every day. It sounds gross but it has made a huge difference for me!
heather sibley says
I boost my immune system by taking vitamins C and D.
michelle k says
I wash my hands and bedsheets often and get much sleep and fluids.
Diane52 says
I wash my hands frequently and avoid those who are sick.
Brooke Takhar says
Regular cardio, plenty of water & as much sleep as I can cram in!
Rosanne Robinson says
I boost my immune system by taking vitamins & zinc, stay hydrated, & get a minimum of 8 hours sleep.
Tricia Cooper says
I try to eat well, get enough sleep and was my hands well with warm soapy water often throughout the day!
Lee-Ann says
I make sure to get the right amount of sleep
naiddia p says
I take vitamins and get enough sleep.
Maritess says
I take multivitamins and make sure to get enough sleep or rest.
Nicole W. says
I try to eat healthy, get exercise, and I take multivitamins and echinacea. Thanks for the chance to win! 🙂
Sabrina Tong says
I take vitamins daily to keep my immune system strong
Kelly young says
My immune system is very low because I am battling cancer but I do get the flu shot and take vitamins
Melissa Marie says
Vitamins snd orange juice
Londia says
I take vitamin C and I drink lots of water
Jessica monahan says
Take lots vitamins proper sleep and water
Nathania H says
I work with children, a lot of children. I drink a lot of water, I live with Theives in my necklace, diffusers, and on the bottom of my feet. I also take a daily vitamin and an extra vit c. Oh and of course, wash wash wash my hands.
Nicole says
Eat lots of fruits & veggies!
Rebby says
I take vitamins every day to help boost my immune system
Melanie B says
Take vitamins, wash our hands, eat healthy
lisab says
try to up my fruit & veggie intake
Debbie W says
I try to eat properly and drink plenty of water
Martin Keating says
Eat lots of vegetables
LILLIAN BROWN says
I take Vitamins C and D and wash my hands often
Alison Braidwood says
I try to wash my hands as often as I can during cold and flu season. I also double up on my vitamin c intake
Marilyn M says
Always get the flu shot, keep probiotics handy and wash hands frequently
tania c says
to boost my immune system i take lots of vitamins (c, d, multi)
Lana says
I take vitamins too… and drink matcha tea
Natalie says
I always have good intentions about eating right, getting lots of all kinds of different nutrients, getting a good night’s sleep…and then I don’t do any of it and I get sick. I’m terrible at boosting my immunity!
Breannah says
I drink honey-lemon tea and wash my hands often.
Monica says
I try to drink plenty of water, take vitamins and disinfect around the house.
wobbles13 says
i like to drink lots of green tea for extra anti oxidents!
Alexandra Chubachi says
Tumeric smoothies, green tea, lots of water!
Maryanne says
Getting lots of sleep!
michelle matta says
I try and get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated for one thing.
Tiffany says
I take a lot of vitamins during cold/flu season.
krisl says
I take vitamins, keep active and hydrated
Sherri F says
I wash my hands A LOT and I take Vitamin C supplements.
shirley li says
drink lots of water
krystyl olson says
working with small children, I am in contact with GERMS all day everyday. some ways i boost my immune system is excersizing, eating well, taking ’emergen-c’ as well as multi-vitamins… also, self care is important, getting enough sleep and reducing stress.
Linda H says
I take vitamins and try to stay well rested.
Valerie Mallette says
I boost my immune system by having a healthy diet, taking vitamins, drinking sufficient water, and getting enough sleep.
Cathy C says
Try to eat well, get lots of sleep and H20, and take fish oil and vitamins.
Kim Vellios says
Vitamins and sleep
Kelly says
I take a daily multi vitamin. But my natural remedy is whenever I feel a cold or sore throat starting I chop up a clove of garlic and swallow it in big chunks. A natural immuno boost. Works all the time.
Piroska says
I try to keep my vitamin C up during cold and flu season.
Josie says
Lots of water, try to get enough sleep and wash my hands a lot
Wanda Tracey says
I take vitamins C and D ,drink lots of fluids and get lots of rest to boost my immune system.
aaron reck says
I clean my house as much as I can. I like to drink some orange juice. Broccoli is so good!
Rosa Cross says
I use vitamin C supplements when I feel a cold coming on.
Dana Miller says
I boost my immune system with vitamins and supplements. As important are sleep and good hand washing practice.
Shara W says
I boost my immune system by taking vitamins, eating better, and getting more sleep.
Kathryn says
Eating lots of fruits, taking vitamins and getting a flu shot helps our immune system
Mark Shannon says
Lots and lots of orange juice and vitamin C keeps me healthy.
Ryan B says
Turmeric in everything and Oil of Oregano Soft Gels (Which I am out of) $20+ in stores but I found them on Amazon for $10 once. First sign of cold I take one CAP and symptoms are gone by the next day.
Sarah Jackson says
our whole family takes a multivitamin daily but we also try to eat immune system boosting foods like oranges , broccoli and spinach
Katrina Brady says
We try to eat healthy and take extra vitamin c over the winter
Melissa Gauvin says
I take vitamens
Violet P says
Regular exercise, at least 7 hours’ of sleep a night, and drinking water!
Wanda Tracey says
I drink lots of water,take vitamins,get some good restful sleep and I
also get the flu shot in the fall.