We have now officially entered what at least one holiday carol calls "The most wonderful time of the year." Indeed, it's the season to be jolly, the season of giving and sharing … and it's the season when the flu likes to rear its ugly head.

But just because flu season is here doesn't mean you have to be one of the 20 percent of the U.S. population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who gets the flu each year.

There are many natural methods you can use to help prevent the flu (and treat it if you do come down with a case). Here are some you can try today to keep the flu at bay for a healthy holiday.

1. Get enough sleep. Remember the saying "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise"? These are words of wisdom to live by, as your body is able to repair and recuperate while you sleep. Skimp on this important necessity and you'll be less able to fight off the flu and other illnesses.

2. Let go of stress. The holidays bring fun and festivities to many, but they also bring more demands: holiday shopping, cooking and baking, social gatherings and houseguests. It's essential to find an outlet for your stress (think long walks in nature or cozying up under a blanket with a good book), because stress is a major contributor to all disease … including the flu.

3. Wash your hands. This one sounds obvious, but think about how many times during a day you touch public objects (paper money, door knobs, computer keyboards), then touch your face, your eyes or eat lunch. This gives germs and bacteria easy access to your body. It's especially important to let children know the importance of washing their hands as well.

4. Think twice before getting a flu vaccine. For some, a flu vaccine may be warranted, and many government agencies recommend them. However, there are others who believe flu vaccines are often unnecessary and may do more harm than good. Says Rima E. Laibow, MD, medical director of Natural Solutions Foundation, of the FluMist vaccine, "FluMist is a live virus vaccine which introduces between 10 and 100 million viruses into the nose … FluMist is based on last year's viruses which were not effective against last year's viruses … once treated with FluMist, people shed live, infective viruses for up to 3 weeks, which can give people flu."

5. Eat healthy. This includes fortifying your diet with immune-enhancing foods like leafy greens, raw garlic and mushrooms (especially shiitake, maitake and reishi), drinking plenty of pure water and cutting back on junk food.

6. Consider taking vitamin C. "Under stress (like a viral infection), your need for vitamin C is increased," says Laibow.

7. Cut back on sweets. Sugar weakens your immune system, which is your primary defense against the flu.

8. Gargle. If you notice a sore throat coming on, gargling with some diluted hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil (mixed with water) can help.

9. Stick with your exercise routine. Regular exercise is an excellent way to keep your immune system strong … and thereby reduce your chances of getting the flu.

10. Ease up on alcohol. Though holiday toasts may be plentiful, keeping your alcohol intake to a minimum is important for feeling your best. Alcohol weakens immune function, so the more you drink, the more vulnerable you become to the flu and other illnesses.

Best wishes for a flu-free and healthy season!

Linda Slater Dowling www.studentformula.com