4 secrets of the top virus-proof’ people

Ever wonder why some of us fall victim to viruses, while others sail through winter without a single sniffle or sneeze? Folks who evade viruses aren't simply blessed with good genes: Stanford research suggests smart habits are responsible for 58% of our body’s immune responses. That’s great news since it means you can up your antiviral armor the same way virus-resistant people do. Just...

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Hand out hugs

Instead of instinctively stepping back from others during sick season, folks who shrug off viruses step in to hug loved ones. Carnegie Mellon University scientists found doling out five hugs weekly cuts your odds of catching a respiratory virus by 64%. It lowers levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that dampens immune system function. No one nearby? German research suggests hugging yourself works too!

Toss in berries