October brings a sea of pink ribbons, runs, and reminders.But beneath the awareness campaigns lies a powerful truth: there are steps we can take to reduce our risk of breast cancer and optimize breast health.

We’ve all had that moment, when someone near you starts coughing, a family member tests positive, or you wake up with a scratchy throat and wonder if you’re next. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent illness, there are practical, evidence-based things you can do right away to help your body defend itself and recover faster if you do get sick. Here are five simple, science-backed ways to support your immune system after an exposure.