Your head hurts, your body aches, you're hot, cold and feeling miserable. Flu symptoms like these affect about 60 million Americans every year, but you don't have to be one of them. Get the facts and stay healthy this flu season.
 
Every year over 35,000 people die from the flu
FACT. The elderly, the very young, and those with certain chronic medical conditions are more susceptible to the virus. Every decade or so the virus mutates and can wreak havoc on other groups of people as seen in the pandemic of 1918 when it's estimated that between 20 million to 100 million people died of influenza, many of them in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
 
You can get the flu from the flu vaccine
FICTION. The vaccine is created from an inactive virus. You may feel soreness at the injection site, and in some rare cases you might not feel completely up to par for a day or two, but the flu shot will not give you the flu.
 
If someone coughs or sneezes on an object, like a pen or phone, you can catch it.
FACT. It's believed flu viruses can survive outside the body anywhere from a few seconds to a few days depending on the surface. They live longer on non-porous surfaces like plastic, metal and wood and less on porous surfaces like fabric or paper.
 
You can pass on the flu even if you currently have no symptoms.
FACT. You can be contagious one day before or up to five days after your symptoms appear.
 
Frequent hand washing can help keep you healthy.
FACT. Washing frequently with hot water and lots of soap for at least 30 seconds - about as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice - is your best defense. Be sure to "save your work" by using a paper towel to shut off the faucet and open the bathroom door. 
 
Sneeze into your hands.
FICTION. Turn your head away from others or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue. Be sure to dispose of your tissue and wash your hands immediately to avoid spreading germs.
 
Using antibacterial wipes on your phone and desk area can help kill germs.
FACT. Sanitizing wipes kill up to 99% of germs that can cause illness. Regularly wipe everything you frequently touch including your keyboard, mouse, pens and desktop.
 
Keeping your hands away from your nose, mouth and eyes can help keep you healthy.
FACT. These are three prime spots where germs can enter. One study found that people touch their face an average of fifteen times an hour. Armed with the facts, you can help dodge the flu bug and have a healthy 2009.