Spring and warmer weather has finally arrived but Colorado's flu season is not over yet. and here are three easy ways to help keep the flu bug away during the changing season.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will continue to do surveillance for the current flu season until the end of May. That means if you haven't had the flu yet this season, you are not necessarily out of the woods.

So far in Colorado, there have been more than 4,000 hospitalizations related to influenza. A total of 227 of those have been in Mesa County, 46 in Garfield County, and 36 in Delta County.

While there are no sure-fire remedies, there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting an early spring or bout with the flu.

1) Keep  Your Nose Moist
Researchers have found that keeping your nasal passages moist is the most proficient way of keeping germs away. Some squirts of saline nasal spray and drinking plenty of water will help.

2) Sweat it Out
Researchers credit moderate exercise with reducing the risk of catching a cold by 27 percent. There may be something to it. I have exercised regularly since December, and so far have been free from a cold or the flu.

3) Get in the Sun
Just 10,000 IU of vitamin D every day can reduce your chances of upper respiratory infection by 50%. It only takes 10-15 minutes of exposure to a large area of skin to receive adequate vitamin D protection.

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