Like other viral infections, the flu is primarily shared through the contact with another person that is displaying physical symptoms of the flu such as coughing and sneezing. Avoiding people with the flu and covering your nose and mouth will lessen your risk of being infected. Another way to avoid getting the cold is to avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth in public places during prime-time flu season. Sanitizing potentially infectious and shared items in the house can also be a key prevention method for avoiding the flu.