The flu is rearing an ugly and powerful head this winter

A few weeks ago only half the country reported cases of the flu in emergency rooms and doctors' offices, but it's showing up in 49 states now. The flu itself isn't breaking news - it is February after all.

Missing Out on LifeDr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center said, "February is the most frequent month for influenza year in and year out."

What's disturbing is this year's flu shot (which was made up a year in advance) doesn't protect against the strain that's making people so sick. Each year the flu kills thousands of elderly with weakened immunity, but 22 children have already died. 10 in the past week. And the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says we haven't seen the worst yet.

If you want to see the CDC's tracking of the flu, visit them onine at CDC.gov.

As the flu makes its way through shopping malls, bus stations and airports, any new strain is disturbing. SARs taught us just how quickly a bad situation can progress to internationally tragic.

How do you protect yourself at home, at work and when you're traveling?

Doctors say the best protection is still simply washing your hands. Obsessively. Getting enough rest, eating your veggies and getting your shots are good ideas too.

Experts argue about the effectiveness of immune-boosting antioxidant products. But if you're not getting your zzz's and eating on the fly between meetings, it might be the kind of insurance you need to get you through flu season without using up all your sick days.

Airborne: Herbal formula of extracts, vitamins, electrolytes, amino acids and antioxidants that boosts your immune system.

Emergen-C Immune Defense: 1000 mg of vitamin C, B vitamins, minerals and electrolytes to help improve overall health.

What are you doing to stay healthy through flu season?