Information on protecting yourself from the flu is provided by University Health Services. Influenza is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, cough and body aches, and it may also include runny nose, sore throat, headache and vomiting or diarrhea. It can be contagious one day prior to the onset of symptoms, throughout the illness and for up to five days after the person is well. It is generally spread by droplet infection or particles dispensed into the air from sneezing, blowing your nose or coughing.

The CDC recommends the following tips to prevent getting the flu:
1. Vaccination—usually given between October and December
2. Avoid close contact
3. Stay home when you are sick
4. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
5. Wash your hands frequently
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
7. Practice other good health habits—get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

There are also antiviral medicines to treat influenza. In general, they can shorten the illness by a couple of days and possibly reduce the severity of the symptoms.

According to the CDC, most years 5-20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu, and an average of 36,000 people will die from complications of it, like pneumonia. People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease are more likely to develop complications, as well as small children, pregnant women and adults older than 65.