Tips to stay healthy for the holidays

Flu activity expected to rise in weeks ahead

The busyness of the holidays can put you at risk for catching the flu, but there are ways to cut down that risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity is still low but is expected to rise in the weeks ahead.

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An infectious disease expert at Cleveland Clinic said there are a couple of things you can do to ward off the flu when traveling.

"No. 1, you and everyone in your family should get vaccinated," said Dr. Susan Rehm. "The second thing is wash your hands frequently."

The flu is primarily spread through the air when droplets from infected coughs and sneezes are inhaled. Vaccination is the best protection from the virus.

It's recommended that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine, especially people in high-risk groups like children, pregnant women and the elderly.

Even though touching infected objects is a secondary way of catching the flu, it's still a good idea to wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead.

And if you're sitting next to someone who appears to be ill, the doctor said etiquette and infection control go hand-in hand.

"The best thing you can do is to get away if you possibly can," Rehm said. "If that's not an option, you might offer the person a tissue, offer the person a hand sanitizer and politely say, 'I see you're not feeling well, can I help in any way?'" :

If you think you have the flue, protect others by staying home.

And be sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your arm to keep germs from spreading.

It's also important to remember the flu is treatable with antiviral medication, if taken within the first 48 hours, so contact your doctor immediately.