You’ve probably heard the dire news reports, that claim this year’s flu season is one of the worst in recent memory. The most prevalent strain of flu circulating amongst us is indeed quite strong and mutates easily, meaning it finds a way to overwhelm your body’s immune system defenses.

You might also have heard that this year’s flu shot was only about 20 percent effective at preventing the flu. So, you shouldn’t rely on that protection alone. Here are six more things you can do, to keep yourself safe from the virus.

Avoid crowded places. Until flu season has wrapped up, try to avoid crowded places as much as possible. Shop during “off hours”, and schedule doctor appointments only when absolutely necessary.

Wash your hands regularly. Viruses are often spread from hand to mouth. This means an infected person coughs or sneezes, then touches an object, then you touch the object… And now you’ve been exposed to the virus. It still won’t enter your system, though, until you touch your eyes or nose, or handle food. So wash your hands regularly to rid them of any lurking flu virus. This is especially important if you’re out and about, and touch objects like money, counter tops, shopping carts, and so on.

Eat your fruits and veggies. Remember to eat at least six servings per day of fresh fruits and veggies. The vitamins and minerals will help to keep you healthy.

Boost your immune system naturally. You might prefer to consult with your healthcare provider on this one, but many people swear by things like vitamin C and elderberry syrup for strengthening their immune system.

Avoid sugary treats. Each time you consume processed sugar, your immune system is compromised, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid sweets like candy, cookies, cake, and so on.

De-stress yourself. Emotional, mental, or physical stress takes a toll on the body, and can weaken your immune system. Take measures to reduce the amount of stress in your life, and make sure to get appropriate exercise and plenty of sleep.

If it seems like you get sick more often than most people, do consult with your physician. He or she might offer some additional advice for strengthening your immune system, and you might need to be screened for underlying disorders that can cause you to get sick frequently.