November is National Flu Awareness Month. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) each year at
least 200,000 people are hospitalized for complications due to
the flu, and 36,000 people die from the flu each year. Also,
anywhere from 10 to 20% of the US population is infected with
the flu virus each year. As the cold and flu season gears up
again this year, it is important to protect yourself and your
family from the flu. Here are some tips that can help you avoid
catching the flu: - Avoid contact with those infected with the
flu The flu is a virus, and as such it is spread from one person
to another. Sneezing, coughing, and shaking hands are all ways
that the flu can be transmitted. By limiting exposure to people
who have been infected with the flu, you reduce your chances of
catching the flu. - Wash your hands thoroughly Keeping your
hands clean will limit your exposure to the flu virus. - Get a
flu shot The CDC recommends all persons over the age of 6 months
should be vaccinated a