These Are the Most Effective Ways to Avoid Getting a Cold This Season

One small Japanese study found that adults randomly assigned to gargle water or povidone-iodine at least three times a day came down with significantly fewer respiratory infections than those who didn't gargle. Gargling was even associated with milder symptoms in those who did get sick. More evidence is needed before we can broadly recommend a gargling habit, but given that it's natural, harmless, and costs nothing, it may be worth a try.