Practice the following flu prevention measures and encourage these healthy habits among family members.

• Get a flu shot. The company will soon offer free seasonal flu vaccinations for employees, retirees and spouses. Flu clinics will begin at company facilities in mid-September and run through November. Watch your home mail later this month for a postcard detailing dates, times and locations of company flu shot clinics. Availability of the H1N1 vaccine — which is currently being tested — is unknown at this time.
• Clean your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, preferably with a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands. Better still: Cough into your arm/sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Exercise.
• Manage your stress.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat nutritious foods.