With flu season here, prevention is your best defense against the fever, body aches and cough that the virus can bring on. Try the following:

• Wash your hands, especially when you're out in public places, with hot water and soap. When you travel, it's a good idea to carry alcohol towelettes with you.
• Get a flu shot. This is especially important for those over 65 years old, as well as anyone with a weakened immune or respiratory system, nursing home residents, and health care workers who have regular contact with patients. Pregnant women whose last two trimesters fall during flu season (generally November to April) might consider getting the shot as well. Since the vaccine now protects against H1N1, most people should consider getting vaccinated.
• Avoid contact with people who have respiratory illnesses. Airborne droplets from sneezes and coughs are what spread the influenza virus from person to person.
• Minimize the spread of germs by avoiding touching your hands to your face or your eyes.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after using it, and wash your hands.

Don't miss tomorrow's tip for information on how to treat the symptoms of flu.

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