As the fall weather brings cooler temperatures and shorter days, it's a good time to start thinking about immune system health before cold and flu season begins.

 

 Medical researcher and nutritionist Dr. Michael Garko says it's a good time to cut back on alcohol and increase physical activity.

 

Garko says it's also important to get a good night's sleep.

 

Doctors at the Mayo Clinic say that those who don't get enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus. Infection-fighting antibodies and cells are also reduced in those who don't get enough sleep. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night, while teens need nine to ten hours and younger children may need 10 hours of sleep or more per night.