Flu season started early -- during the first week of December -- instead of the first week of January this year and it’s only supposed to get worse from here!  Are you taking the right precautions to keep you and your family well?

According to the powers that be, there are three different versions of the flu going around right now - influenza called H3N2, whooping cough and the standard stomach virus that causes tummy problems.  They aren't related, but you CAN get them all at once...or in succession.  Yuck!

The best tip from doctors?

WASH YOUR HANDS!  Seventy-five percent of American adults don't increase their hand-washing habits during flu season and most don't wash long enough. The fourth annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey found that 57 percent washed their hands for 5 to 15 seconds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 20 seconds or washing long enough to sing "Happy Birthday" twice to allow time to remove and rinse off germs. 

The same survey found found that 70 percent always washed their hands after using a public restroom, 29 percent sometimes skipped washing hands and 1 percent never washed after using a public restroom.

Another great tip is to see if you can find a place that is still offering the flu shot.  It can be a great preventative...or at least keep the strain from hanging around as long.