It’s peak flu season and time to focus on staying healthy. There’s no sure-fire guarantee you will avoid the bug, but a few simple guidelines can help increase your chances of getting through another season flu-free.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends the following basic steps to protect yourself and your family against the flu and other respiratory infections:

• Get the flu vaccine, and the earlier, the better. It takes about two weeks after vaccination before antibodies develop to provide protection;
• Wash your hands often;
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue; and
• Stay home when you are sick.

In California, flu activity was widespread in December and confirmed in at least half the regions of the state, according to the CDPH. There were 18 outbreaks across the state and seven flu-related deaths in people under 65, according to CDPH’s California Influenza Surveillance Program weekly report for December 17 to 23.

Flu viruses can be detected throughout the year, but seasonal flu activity typically peaks between December and February, according to the Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC).

Older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications.