The flu this season has been severe for people age 65 years and older, with very high hospitalization rates being recorded, (this age group accounted for more than 60% of all reported hospitalizations), reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a situation update released on February 13.

Though flu activity is still widespread across most of the country, it has begun to decline. However, it is possible that flu activity will continue for several weeks in parts of the country, the CDC added.

Here are some useful tips and preventive measures which will help you to safeguard yourself and your family:

Wash Your Hands
One of the most simple and effective ways to prevent the flu is washing your hands frequently.  Wash your hands properly before eating your food and throughout the day to prevent the infection from entering your system. Rub your hands with water and anti-bacterial soap or hand cleaner for at least 30 seconds.

Keep Hands Away From Face
Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. Throughout the day, we touch door knobs, handles, keyboards, office tea/coffee mugs that carry a large number of germs and viruses on them. Avoid touching your face as microscopic germs enter our systems through hand-to-mouth or hand-to-eye-and-nose contact.

Maintain a Distance From flu-infected People
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness. You can contract the influenza virus from individuals even after they have recovered from the flu because a flu-affected individual can continue to spread the virus up to 24 hours after the fever has gone down.

Get the flu Shot
For more than 50 years, seasonal flu vaccines have had very good safety track records. Flu vaccination prevents you from catching the flu. Protecting yourself from the flu also protects the people around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness. Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions.

Use Air Purifier
Air purifiers emit large quantities of beneficial negative ions that help purify the air of viruses, bacteria and germs.

The AirTamer A302 high performance travel air purifier acts as a precautionary tool that prevents you from catching influenza virus by purifying the air around you. It refreshes the air you breathe, silently and optimally.  Wear the AirTamer around your neck or clip it to your shirt or blouse. At night, you can keep it on a nightstand or table.