The flu virus is running rampant this winter, in part because of mutations that made this year’s strains a poor match for vaccines.

A healthy diet with lots of vitamin-rich foods and drinks can help boost your immunity and reduce the likelihood that you’ll catch the flu or cold viruses.

The restorative protein-rich broth in homemade chicken noodle soup made with lots of carrots, onions, celery and other root vegetables such as parsnips can be as effective as certain over-the-counter medications, found one study cited by The New York Times.

Foods rich in beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and other antioxidants can also help boost immunity, so add things like sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and grapefruit to meals as often as possible.

And of course, wash your hands often, especially after you sneeze or before you eat anything. The CDC recommends washing your hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds — that’s about how long it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice (or hum it if you’re feeling shy).

If you’ve already succumbed to a cold or the flu, a megadose of Vitamin C may help — one study of 700 participants found that 85% of people reported a decrease in symptoms after taking a large dose of Vitamin C.

One great source of Vitamin C is the NADI rosehip drink, which has 135% of the daily recommended amount of this essential nutrient. To buy some, click here or find us on Amazon.com.