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Your immune system is your friend. It protects your body from infection. Give it your full support and, as with any friend, there will be perks.

Here’s how it works: Your immune system creates, stores, and distributes the white blood cells that fight bacteria and viruses that enter your body, especially during cold and flu season.

For such a simple-sounding process, there's a lot of bad information out there. Here are some myths and facts about the immune system and how it works.

Eating fruits and veggies keeps your immune system strong.

Fact. Mom and dad were right when they told you to eat your fruits and vegetables. Studies show that people who eat a lot of them get sick less. The nutrients in them can help your immune system fight viruses and bacteria.

Not getting enough sleep has no effect on your immune system.

Myth. There's a strong link between sleep and a healthy immune system. But not just any sleep will do. Restorative sleep, which means enough sleep to get the body back into fighting shape, is key.

Sleep needs vary by person, but most adults need 7-8 hours a night. Teens need 9-10 hours, school-aged kids need at least 10 hours, preschoolers need 11-12 hours, and newborns need 16-18 hours.

Over the past few decades, though, the average time asleep has dropped to less than 7 hours a night for adults. If you sleep less than your body needs, you’ll build up a sleep debt. And you can't make that up with naps or by sleeping in on weekends. Bottom line: Get to bed at a time when you know you can sleep at least 7 hours.

A positive attitude can be healthy.
