Sail through fall virus-free!

Cool breezes, crisp apples, flocks of geese flying overhead—no wonder 46% of us say fall is our favorite season. But drops in temperature and humidity cause viruses to spread more easily. In fact, University of Michigan scientists say respiratory infections are 44% more common this time of year than they are in August. And while cold viruses are the culprit in 80% of early autumn cases, flu season is just around the corner. Plus, COVID continues to circulate. Luckily, these virus-blocking tips can help

- Melissa Gotthardt  

✓ Savor blueberry pancakes

Whether you prefer pancakes, oatmeal or a fruity smoothie, enjoying breakfast provides nutrients and calories that armor against stress-induced immunity dips. So say British researchers reporting in Nutritional Neuroscience, who found sick days due to colds and flu were 68% lower among people who ate breakfast daily than those who frequently skipped a morning meal. Tip: Include blueberries in your breakfast whenever possible. They’re jam-packed with flavonoids, plant compounds that lowered cold and flu risk by 33% in an Australian study.

✓ Take a little neighborhood tour