A seven-year study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal looked at almost 125,000 people with Type 2 diabetes; around two-thirds received a flu vaccination.

The researchers found that over the course of the study, folks who got the shot had a 30 percent lower risk of stroke, a 22 percent lower risk of heart failure and a 24 percent lower risk of dying from all causes.

So if you have Type 2 (or even if you don't!), make sure to get the flu shot this season.

And boost your defenses even more by:

• Losing weight if you need to

• Getting an additional 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity a day

• Doing strength-building exercises two to three times weekly

• Eat five to nine servings of produce daily