We are approaching springtime again and that means one last dose of the flu. This winter has made our lives miserable with freezing temperatures and by wrecking our immune systems. Many of us have battled 102 degree temperatures and a runny nose for what may seem like weeks.

There is good news, however. Through simple preventative methods, warding off the flu can be easier than you may think. It can even be killed without antibiotics.

Miguel Stamati, M.D. and psychiatrist in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, says flu is caused by a virus. This virus is in our mucus and spreads through contact with others. There are many different kinds of flu virus that make us ill each year. Unless we shut ourselves in our bedroom, it's impossible to avoid contact with others. A sneeze from an infected person near us may carry the virus; even an innocent transaction at the local gas station can pass from unwashed hands.

Some characteristics of the flu are: 100 degree fever, headache, sore throat and overall body aches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These discomfort of these symptoms is compounded when they all attack your body at once.

Unfortunately, while the symptoms may stay the same from one year to the next, the virus can mutate rather rapidly. The CDC warns that virus strands may change two to three times a year, making it difficult for our bodies to keep up with the changes and combat the illness.

Stamati recommends keeping "your overall immune system boosted through exercise and nutrition." Vitamins and supplements are always good to keep your body balanced, as long as you don't take too many. About.com suggests healthy doses of zinc, usually sold in lozenges. While zinc may not totally rid your body of the virus, it should speed up the process and help you feel more comfortable.

It may seem next to impossible to get up and exercise while fighting the flu. But in your weakened state it is a very healthy thing to do. Moving around - even just walking - can get your blood moving and help your body work the virus out of your body.

There are also ways to prevent the flu even before the flu season starts. According to USA Today, a flu shot is recommended for healthy children ages two to four, and healthy, non-pregnant people ages 5-49. Stamati says the elderly and people who chronically suffer from the flu would also be well-advised to get the shot.

There is an antiviral medication called Tamiflu that is very rarely prescribed, says Stamati. Like a flu shot, Tamiflu is a preventative. It is very rarely given to patients or the general public, however, since it is generally considered to be a drug of last resort.

While winter clings to our lungs for these last few weeks, remember to take care of yourself. Exercise - though you may ache - get plenty of fluids, and pop an ample amount of supplements to keep your immune system boosted for these stressful weeks.

For more information see:

http://nutrition.about.com/od/dietsformedicaldisorders/f/flunutrients.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/change.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms.htm
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/02/flu-vaccine-not.html

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