As government officials kick off Flu Shot Season, you won’t hear much from them about the best way to avoid the flu

It’s pre-season.

They’re trying out new ideas from the playbook, seeing what works…scrapping what doesn’t, and trying to lure people in early to get them hooked.

Yes, it’s pre-FLU-season.

You’re probably already inundated with come-ons from your pharmacy, grocery store, and big box stores.

Soon, you’ll be seeing government officials on all the morning shows. They’ll rattle off made up numbers about the thousands who die of the flu every year. (They pump up the statistics by grouping pneumonia-related deaths with flu-related deaths. Cute trick.)

It’s their version of the Statue of Liberty play. Trying to distract you so you won’t have time to think about it.

But research has proven that sometimes running straight up the middle works best. And in this case, the best flu prevention is the simplest: Just wash your hands.

Yup…it really is that simple. No Hail Mary pass necessary.

Sources:
“Microbial Biogeography of Public Restroom Surfaces” PLoS ONE, Vol. 6, No. 11, 11/23/11, plosone.org

plosone.org