The holidays are a joyous time of the year, but they happen to fall smack dab in the middle of cold and flu season. Many of us also happen to be around family and friends a lot this time of the year, increasing the odds of being around someone who may be sick. While you cannot control other people's hygienic habits, you can take steps to prevent spreading your germs if you happen to get hit with a cold or the flu this year. Here are five little ways that you may be spreading your germs without even realizing it, according to an article on MSN.

Talking can spread germs. Yes, that's right, simply talking. Droplets can spread from coughing, sneezing, and talking...up to six feet! So, if you're sick, try and keep a six-foot distance from people you're talking to, just to be safe. This means it's definitely not a good idea to get in a baby's face because they're just too irresistible.

Most people know that washing your hands is one of the top ways to prevent spreading and picking up germs. However, most people are doing it wrong. You should be washing in warm or hot water and wash for a total of 20 seconds. Make sure you scrub the backs of your hands, in between your fingers and under your nails, too. It's tempting to rush through it, but if you do, you're defeating the purpose.

It cannot be stressed enough - when you're sick, stay home from work. Studies have shown just how quickly germs can spread around an office, thanks to doorknobs, table tops, and other common area surfaces. Do your coworkers a favor by resting at home. Easier said than done when you may have a finite number of sick days or an important meeting. If you have the energy to work, inquire about working from home for a day or two. Hop on a video call for any important meetings that you just can't miss.

Getting your flu shot helps ensure you won't get the flu, which means if you don't get it, you can't pass it on to other people, especially vulnerable ones like infants and the elderly. The more people who are vaccinated means the less likely people are to contract the flu and pass it on, a concept known as herd immunity.

Finally, many people may not think about it, but blowing out birthday candles is a super easy way to spread germs. If you're battling a cold on your birthday, skip the candles. And obviously don't eat the cake if you're at a birthday party and the guest of honor is sick. Young children especially have a hard time blowing out candles, often requiring them to blow several times. If you don't have the willpower to resist, here is a tip: eat the cake part, but don't eat the icing, which is where the germs will be laying. The icing is the worst part for you anyway!

These little ways are easy to control on your end and by doing so, you'll help keep your germs to yourself when you're not feeling well.