Every year, anywhere from 3,000 to 49,000 people die from the flu and flu-related complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Because studies indicate that healthy adults can often infect others one day before and five days after showing symptoms, during the peak of flu season it is important to take simple steps to break the chain of infection:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday Song.”
2. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizing gel with 60-70 percent alcohol content. Apply to palms and rub all over hands until dry.
3. Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects, such as desks, remotes, phones and door knobs. Use a general household cleaner to remove germs and a disinfectant to kill germs.
4. Get a yearly flu vaccine. An injection of dead virus is approved for almost anyone six months and older, including those with asthma. The nasal spray vaccine contains a weakened live virus and is approved for those 2 to 49 years old who are not pregnant. Both vaccine viruses are grown in eggs, meaning those with severe egg allergies should not be vaccinated. Antibodies to protect against contracting influenza begin developing in the body two weeks after receiving a vaccination.
5. Symptoms of the flu include fever, sore throat, muscle aches and occasional stomach problems such as nausea. If you do get the flu, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and stay at home. It is safe to return to work and school 24 hours after you stop seeing signs of a fever—without the use of fever-reducing medicine.