The most effective weapon to stop a flu virus (and for that matter any virus) is YOU.

By practicing the following steps, you can play an active role in protecting yourself, and people around you from contracting the flu.

Get Vaccinated
The mainstay of flu prevention is still vaccination. But good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can prevent respiratory illnesses like flu. There are also flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent flu.
Cover your nose or mouth when you are sneezing or coughing. Influenza virus can spread through air droplets when we sneeze or cough. Covering your nose or mouth with a tissue may prevent those around you from getting ill too.

Clean Your Hands Often
Cleaning your hands will keep the virus from "traveling from one place to another". If it is possible, wash your hands each time you cough or sneeze. It will help to prevent the virus from spreading.

It is also recommended by the CDC (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention) that you wash your hands with soap and warm water and that you wash for 15 - 20 seconds.

Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, or Mouth
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

Stay Home When You Are Sick
If possible, stay home from work, school (the kids are going to like this), and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Remind Your Children and People Around You To Practice Healthy Habits too
A group effort, with everyone informed and doing it, can go a long way to preventing an outbreak.

Excerpt From : ANN/The Star