Looking for a way to prevent yourself from getting a cold during the winter? Get a hug from someone you trust.

A new research conducted at Carnegie Mellon University reportedly found that hugging boosts your immune system and fights stress, according to Geek Infinite.

The recent study, which was published in Psychological Science, was reportedly based off of two previous studies, one conducted between 2000 and 2004 and another between 2007 and 2011. The studies reportedly involved 404 participants, who underwent 14 daily phone interviews where daily hugs, perceived social support and conflicts were discussed, according to the website modvive.com.

Participants were reportedly then given a virus, either rhinovirus or influenza A, and were later quarantined in a hotel where researchers assessed developing cold-like symptoms. Researchers reportedly found that perceived social support was linked to decreased risk of infection and developing clinical symptoms of a cold.

“We know that people experiencing ongoing conflicts with others are less able to fight off cold viruses. We also know that people who report having social support are partly protected from the effects of stress on psychological states, such as depression and anxiety,” explained Sheldon Cohen, a professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon.

He added, “We tested whether perceptions of social support are equally effective in protecting us from stress-induced susceptibility to infection and also whether receiving hugs might partially account for those feelings of support and themselves protect a person against infection.”

Researchers reportedly found that hugging contributed to a third of perceived social support.

“The apparent protective effect of hugs may be attributable to the physical contact itself or to hugging being a behavioral indicator of support and intimacy. Either way, those who receive more hugs are somewhat more protected from infection,” stated head researcher Sheldon Cohen in a statement.