When you spend a lot of time in a sealed environment—like 7x7’s little corner of the Chronicle Books building—cold-causing germs and flu viruses tend to stand a better chance of infiltration. In the name of robust health during the sick season, 7x7 staffers, an unusually hardy bunch, offer their tried-and-true immunity boosters and their proven advice for maintaining good health in light of perpetually present pathogens.

“I’ll be honest, when I was in college I got dreadfully sick for three weeks and relied on nary a chemical to get me through it. As such, my immune system was emboldened by the experience, and I haven’t been sick since. (Knock on wood.) But, such vitality surely can’t last forever, so I’m trying out Urban Remedy’s Immunity Kit, a three-day food-and-juice cleans that includes such health tonics with names that inspire confidence: Cold Crusher, Immuno Spike, and Potassium broth.” —Leilani Marie Labong, senior editor

“Sleep, sleep, sleep! Make a positively cozy bear den with a duvet in the the darkest shade of charcoal to absorb any glint of winter light—the Georgina duvet from Anthro is a good choice. Don’t forget to mix in some cool evening air wafting in from the window. Don’t surface until spring.” —Julia Leaver, creative director

“A package of Umcka cold care drops may say homeopathic, but this stuff is the real deal, people. It’s the only thing that’s worked for me even after I came down with a gnarly, this-is-going-to-take-weeks-to-get-over cold. Twenty-four hours after starting these tasty drops three times daily, I was right as rain and on a plane bound for Mexico, shocked and pleased at my improved health.” —Schuyler Bailey, digital director

“When I get a cold, I suffer through it like a G…or a dummy.” —Franchesca Allen, marketing director

“Whatever you do, don’t breathe on BART.” —Jessica Do, art director

“My Indian friend once told me to mix a tablespoon of turmeric in hot milk. The remedy works, but tastes like cardboard. So I got to thinking about creating my own remedy—a health and beauty soup that kills a cold, but is also works as an anti-inflammatory. Here’s the recipe. Your immune system will thank me.” —Jodi (Jojo) Nakatsuka, photo director

Jojo’s Health/Beauty Soup

Serves 1

One can of chicken soup 

1 Tablespoon of turmeric

1 Tablespoon of cumin

Juice of 1 lemon

Tons of cilantro 

Cayenne to taste 

1. Heat on stove until simmering.

2. Enjoy