1. Get a flu shot. Go ahead stick out your arm. Getting vaccinated is the single best way to keep from getting the flu and spreading it to others.

2. Wash your hands often. Especially before and after eating and after using the bathroom. Just like you were always taught.

3. Cough or sneeze into your arm or sleeve, not your hands. Flu virus is spread by coughing and sneezing. Covering your mouth in not just good manners, it's vital to prevent the spread of the flu and other illnesses.

4. If you feel sick stay home. If you've got the flu or any other respatory illness stay at home and get better. Do not go to work. If your child is diagnosed with the flu, keep him or her home until they are well. No fever for 24 hours without medications.

5. Don't care for shots? Try the nasal spray vaccine. There are two type of vaccine. One administered via injection, ussually in the arm. The other is given as a nasal spray. The nasal spray vaccine is recommended for healty individuals ages 5 to 49.

6. Carry hand sanitizer as a back up. Carry gel hand sanitizer or alcohol based disposable hand wipes to use when you can't get to a sink.

7. Wipe down public items. for those items around the house or office that everyone uses like telephones and door knobs keep a box of alcohol based disposable wipes handy and rub them down periodically, as well as before and after use.

8. Avoid infecting yourself. On the chance that you have the virus on your hands, try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you know your hands a perfectly clean.

9. Pay attention to overall health. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet and managing stress. The better you take care of yourself, the better your body will be able to fend off flu and other viruses.

10. Your doctor may recommend anti viral medication. There are medications avaliable by prescription that may help to prevent the flu if taken regularly, or to lessen flu symptoms if you have already been infected.