The best way to prevent an infection (this includes the flu) is to avoid being exposed. However, as a reminder, always practice everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay at least 6 feet or more away from those who are sneezing and/or coughing.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and then wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Get a flu shot! This is very important, especially in university settings, as influenza is a real threat on our campus and within the United States. If you receive the vaccine, and still come down with the flu, the vaccine helps to decrease the severity of symptoms, and shorten the duration of infection. The vaccine can prevent you from needing to go to the hospital.