But it doesn't mean you're doomed to get sick. Taking simple measures can make the difference between staying healthy and catching the flu.

In Florida, flu season usually starts by Thanksgiving. If this season is average, it won't peak until late January or February.

So now is the time to start habits that could keep you - and the rest of us - well until springtime.

Susan Hemmingway Johnson

Wash Your Hands - Often

Mom probably already told you about this trick. And plenty of research studies back her up.

Wash your hands. Frequently. Throughout the day.

It's your best bet for sailing through flu season without a sniffle.

Use soap and warm water, not just a quick rinse. Scrub for 15 to 20 seconds each time - about as long as it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice.

Hand Sanitizers Work, Too

Can't get to a sink? Alcohol- based wipes and gels can kill germs, too. When using a gel, rub it all into your hands until the skin feels dry.

Don't Share Common Items

You probably can't avoid touching doorknobs and elevator buttons that other germy fingers have touched.

Other simple steps are no- brainers, though.

For instance, carry your own pen to use at store checkouts. That pen at the pharmacy counter, for instance, is likely to have been used by sick people picking up their prescriptions.

Avoid Touching Your Mouth, Nose And Eyes

Get in the habit of keeping your hands away from your face. Respiratory diseases spread by getting into your airways and lungs. Brushing germ-laden fingers against your mouth, nose or eyes gives them immediate access.

Cover Your Mouth And Nose When Coughing Or Sneezing

When you sneeze, you launch zillions of little germ bombs into the air. They look like droplets but can't be seen by the naked eye.

So be kind. Cough or sneeze into a tissue that can be thrown away.

If you really want to be considerate, wash your hands every time you sneeze, too.

Consider Antiviral Medications

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending medicine that fights flu viruses for prevention, as well as recovery, this year. Check with your doctor for specific brands.

If prescribed at the first sign of illness, the prescriptions are supposed to lessen flu symptoms and cut duration of sick days.

And if you're in a high-risk group for flu complications but couldn't find a flu vaccine this year, the CDC says that using the medications after exposure to someone with the flu may keep you from getting it.

Try To Stay Away From Sick People

It's probably not possible to stay away from everyone who has a cold. However, if you're prone to illness, put off visits to households where children are sick or others have colds and flu.

Stay Home If You're Sick

Are you really doing your co- workers a favor by dragging yourself into work with a fever? Not if they would rather stay well.

Besides, recovering from illness means you should be resting - which is better done under a blanket at home than at your desk.

Try to find ways to keep your sick children away from school, too.

If you must be at your job and can't stay home with them, check with local hospitals for day care options. Some have sick-kid child care clinics.

Get Enough Sleep, Manage Stress, Eat A Healthy Diet

All are habits that boost the immune system and contribute to overall good health. Also, drink plenty of water and get some exercise.

Recognize Symptoms

Flu usually comes on suddenly, causing such symptoms as fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches.

If you get them, rest and drink lots of fluids.

Also, be alert to relapses after you recover. These could be a sign of bacterial pneumonia, a flu complication that requires urgent medical attention.