You Can Dodge The Flu

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. Good health habits and antiviral medications can help protect against the flu.

Good health habits go a long way towards preventing the spread of influenza. Key among them are:
Avoid close contact
Stay home when you are sick - this means avoid presenteeism. (also see this)
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Wash your hands
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Three prescription antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir) are approved for use in preventing the flu. Speak to your doctor if you think they might be appropriate.

Some studies show that smokers are more likely to get the flu, & there is a higher mortality rate from the flu among smokers than among nonsmokers.

Because infants cannot get vaccine or antiviral drugs but are at higher risk for serious flu complications, protecting them from flu is especially important

This information is condensed from here.

To see where influenza is active now, check out the current flu map.

For more information than you're likely to ever need about the flu, check out the CDC's flu site.