6 Things You Didn't Realize You're Doing to Give Yourself the Flu

'Tis the season for coughs, aches and fevers as the flu begins making its annual trek across the country once again. According to the CDC, more than 200,000 Americans will end up in the hospital with the flu each year, and more than 35,000 of those will die from flu complications. Plus hundreds of thousands of work and school days will be missed. Knowing how dangerous the flu is, no one would do anything to increase their odds of contracting it, right?

The truth is that you may be unknowingly increasing your chances of contracting this debilitating and sometimes deadly virus. Despite all the advice out there on avoiding the flu, it's easy to overlook common practices that lead to catching it. Addressing these holes in your flu defenses can keep you at your desk and out of the hospital this flu season. Here are the top six things you might be doing to give yourself the flu without realizing it:

1 - Forgetting the Flu Shot

Getting a flu shot every year is the most effective way to avoid the virus. Many people mistakenly believe that last year's vaccine will still protect them, but a new dose is needed for each flu season because the virus mutates. The vaccine is formulated again each year to target the specific flu strains that are expected to make an appearance. Get a flu shot as early as possible for the best protection. Remember that the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, so it's still important to take other precautions to avoid getting sick.

2 - Skipping the Soap and Water

After the vaccine, washing your hands is the next best way to avoid getting the flu. Frequent and thorough hand-washing also protects against other diseases, such as colds and stomach viruses, that are common during flu season. Use plenty of soap and scrub your hands for at least twenty seconds. Then rinse under running water and dry with a clean towel or air dryer. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective at killing flu viruses for times when you don't have access to soap and water.

3 - Over-sharing at Parties

Sharing is caring, but sharing food and drinks can make you sick. Swapping straws and taking bites from the same plate are not the only ways to pass germs either. Eating from shared bowls and platters at parties can also spread the flu and other illnesses. Germs can be introduced to open food containers from coughing, sneezing and "double-dipping" items like chips and vegetables. Eat beforehand and pass on the appetizers at parties and gatherings, or stick to packaged offerings and covered dishes.

4 - Staying Up Too Late

Sleep deprivation wreaks havoc on the immune system and increases vulnerability to the flu virus. Lack of sleep can also make the flu vaccine less effective and lengthen the time needed to establish immunity. Get seven to nine hours of shut-eye to maximize immunity and stay healthy, and pay extra attention to sleep before and after getting a flu shot. Sleep hygiene, sound machines, meditation and melatonin supplements can help those who have trouble drifting off at night.

5 - Keeping Close Quarters

Flu is spread from person to person, so it makes sense that spending too much time in close proximity to others raises the risk of catching the virus. Sitting too close to co-workers, shaking hands at meetings and spending time in crowded areas like concerts and sporting events can lead to a case of the flu. To reduce germ exposure, spread out your office space as much as possible and put up barriers to keep out sneezes and coughs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth after shaking hands with others, and try to avoid accidental contact in public spaces.

6 - Neglecting Housework

Flu viruses can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. That means the countertop that someone sneezed on yesterday can still infect others up to two days later! Surfaces in homes and offices should be cleaned at least once per day with a product that kills viruses, such as chlorine bleach. If someone in the household has been diagnosed with flu, keeping surfaces wiped down is critical to preventing the spread of the virus. Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms where the most germs accumulate. At work, regularly disinfect frequently-touched items like doorknobs and computer peripherals.