Everything I've learned about avoiding colds and flu

I've been on a mission to uncover what causes and how to prevent  the common cold or the flu. The reason for this quest is that from January 2010 to July 2011,   I was "sick" every 60 to 90 days from some annoying form of an upper respiratory infection.  This was never typical for me and p.s., starting January 2010 I began a new chapter in my life.  This new chapter included a new dream career as a fitness trainer which started to really take off toward the end of 2010. My diet and exercise regime as a result was kicked up a few notches since I was now devoted to being the best I could be.  Why now would I be coming down every other month or so with a cold or the flu?? After a couple of conversations with my ENT doctor and doing my own research I began to make a few changes in my everyday routine and tried not to analyze too much about the WHY.  Here's what I've learned.

• Wash your hands frequently.  I carry hand sanitizer (soap and hot water is preferable but not always practical) in my bag and will use it after I've handled a menu (touched by staff, other customers and seldom cleaned); I use it when I leave the gym, the grocery store, anyplace that I can't avoid touching items and surfaces after numerous other people. 
• Avoid touching your face.  Nose, mouth, eyes, etc.  
• Remember when Grandma avoided a draft at all cost?  I do. Rest in Peace Nonnie. A hundred years ago, doctors would have said that a chill clearly leads to infection.  Today, we're not as exposed to the elements as we were 100  years ago and most of us have a centrally heated home to take shelter in so while that risk has been diminished, recent research says the chill-cold connection is still a factor. Here's why, many of us carry around a subclinical cold infection and that chilling the feet (or any other body part) opens the door for it to become a full blown cold. So stay warm!
• Avoid sugar and simple carbs as they can lower your immune function.
• Eat plenty of antioxidant and antibacterial rich fruits, vegetables AND spices, like cranberries, blueberries, cinnamon, tumeric, oregano, garlic, onions, sweet potatoes, chocolate and red wine!
• 
• Sleep! Get your 7 to 8 hours of rest each night.

Flu season is the end of November through April.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!