Now that the flu has been labeled an epidemic and everyone is officially freaked out — here's a little advice we gathered from medical professionals to help you avoid the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives lots of tips for avoiding it, much of which is common sense.
The flu is spread by droplets made when people cough, sneeze or talk. Experts say the flu can pass from one person to another from up to six feet away. So, avoiding contact with people who have the flu is obviously encouraged.
Also, lots of hand washing is a good idea. You can get the flu from touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your own mouth or nose.
And just to be safe, it's probably best to try not to touch your mouth or nose too much — at least during flu season.
Then if you happen to live with someone who has the flu, make sure all the eating utensils, dishes and linens they used are cleaned thoroughly before being used by anyone else.
Of course, there's also the flu shot, which medical experts recommend to just about everyone six months and older.
Although the shot has been proven less effective this year, experts still say some coverage is better than no coverage at all. (Video Via U.S.Department of Health and Human Services)
And if you do happen to get the flu, which on average, about 5 to 20 percent of the population will, there are steps you can take to protect those around your from coming down with the virus.
The biggest is just staying home. Experts ask that you stay home until 24 hours has passed since you last had a fever to avoid spreading the virus to others.
This video includes music from Chris Zabriskie / CC BY 4.0.
