Staying positive through the cold season could be your best defence against getting sick or significantly feeling symptoms, new study findings suggest. In an experiment that exposed healthy volunteers to a cold or flu virus, researchers found people with a generally sunny disposition were less likely to fall ill.

The findings, published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, build on evidence that a "positive emotional style" can help ward off the common cold and other illnesses. Researchers contend happy people may be less troubled by a scratchy throat or runny nose and that happiness can boost the immune system.

With the mad rush of the holiday season upon us, it is easy to get scrooge-like as we spend lots of money, spend maybe too much time with family, and rush around after busy days at work. You may not be able to avoid these mood busters, but if you keep in good spirits through it all maybe you won’t have to add cold and flu to the list.