We have all heard of this new trend right? Who hasn't? It's been in the papers, the news, they even made a preventative measure in a lab for it because they knew it was coming!! What am I talking about you ask? THE FLU!!!

This year the flu has been wide spread and the vaccine not nearly as effective as past vaccines. But in the midst of cuffing season and another semester of school, you wonder... "How can I avoid such a devastating virus from invading my body and wreaking havoc?!" Well, I know of a few things that just might help you out my friend.

First of all, I highly suggest investing in some mighty good hand sanitizer. Never heard of it? Well, let me educate you! This is a gel you squeeze onto your hand generously and then you rub them frantically together until dry. Seems easy right? Ring a bell it should. There are tons of options out there since we are a society of choices after all. Purell, GermX, even Bath and Body Works makes a version to clean those filthy handle grabbing appendages of yours.

Also, and this goes hand in hand with the sanitizer(pun might be intended), wash those grimy paws! Do not just use water and think you are covered. No, you need soap and lots of friction. If you have ever frequented a public restroom you have most likely happened upon a lovely box above the possibly white porcelain sink. Inside that box is an amazing invention that also comes in many varieties and scents. Whether it be foaming, gel, strawberry, or possibly the worst feeling thing to touch your hand this year so far, it is most likely soap. Use it liberally, apply friction, add water and friction until completely gone. TA-DA!! Dry with the roughest piece of tree flesh that should also be attached to the wall nearby and you're done! Just be careful touching the door on the way out.

If you are a planner, like me, you probably already took this step as a precaution last year. Get the flu shot, if it isn't already too late. If you can get this dreaded injection, have no fear of needles, and/or just don't want to get the flu and can get over your fear of said sharp objects, go to your nearest pharmacy and get it done. And hey, on the plus side you might get a cool coupon with it to NOT spend at said pharmacy. Who knows? I don't know your shopping habits.

And probably last, but certainly not least, IF you do get sick despite taking all necessary precautions, stay home! Do not go to work, do not go to school, do not leave your sick bed. You may wanna just fumigate the whole place. I'm sure there is a hotline for that somewhere. In the off chance you cannot stay home or can't stay home with your child, see the first suggestions as a guideline for prevention of spreading your germs to everyone else's' mucous membranes.

The flu can be deadly to those who are immunocompromised, elderly and even young children. If you can prevent wildfires, well then you can also prevent the flu. Do everyone a favor and stay healthy. Your community, and I, will thank you. If you have to go out, they sell masks over the counter you can use, keep some sanitizer on you, and of course keep your hands washed. This is a highly communicable disease that, though makes many uncomfortable for a few days to a week, could have the potential to be severely harmful to others.