Master Plan to Fight the Flu

Here are a few simple steps to help stave off infection this flu season.

Nearly 45,000 saliva droplets are propelled from a typical sneeze.  Hitching a ride on the saliva are millions of viruses.

Viruses shoot into the air as far as a few feet away. They can survive for hours on paper including money ... even days on door knobs and countertops.

Here's your master plan to fight the flu:

• Get your annual flu vaccine. Get your flu shot at your local pharmacy, doctor's office or walk-in clinic.
• Get your flu shot as soon as vaccines are available; this year's shot includes the H1N1 strain.
• Always, always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
• Twist and wring warm soapy water around for at least 20 seconds. It's longer than you think, so sing "Happy Birthday" twice to make sure.
• Get your vitamin C. Try sweet red and green peppers, guava, kale and kiwi.
• Avoid sharing phones, keyboards, or allowing your kids to swap toys.
• When you sneeze or cough, do it in the crook of your elbow or into a tissue that's immediately thrown away.
• Don't rub your eyes, mouth, or pick your nose. Germs enter through the mucous membranes.
• Coat your nasal passages with petroleum jelly to create a barrier. This helps when you dry out, particularly during plane travel.

Finally, stay at home when you're sick and do your friends a favor.