Fall has started in Rhode Island and with it comes the unwelcome flu and other threatening common cold-weather illnesses. But experts suggest people to take some precautionary measures to prevent from being infected.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) said in a statement that dry weather air outdoor and central heating allow the flu virus to survive and spread from one infected person to another.

A research conducted by NIH has shown that the flu virus becomes stronger in colder weather, which makes it easy for it to transmit to others. The researchers told that chances of spread of infection increases in those who majorly stay indoors.

According to experts, there are a number of precautionary steps one can take to stay protected from flu virus. Here are a few points that a website of the US Department of Health and Human Services advices to follow to stay protective.

• One must wash hands properly with soap and water or any alcohol-based hand rub.
• One should avoid touching nose, eyes, mouth, as germs spread majorly this way.
• Contact with infected people should also be avoided.
• Plenty of sleep, exercising, managing stress, and drinking plenty of fluids is also recommended.
• Healthy eating is also very necessary.
• One should cover nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• If sick, one should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advised people to get flu vaccines. There are two options for vaccination: the regular dose flu shot and the high-dose shot.