We have the five things you can do to prevent the flu, and who knows the answers, you know, joining us from Boston ABC News medical doctor Tim Johnson.

Dr Tim, always a pleasure to have you. So let us begin. We know that Americans, every different type, get sick all the time. What is the first thing they should know?

Well, besides giving the vaccine, which is absolutely the most important, they're now available by the way, I would say the number one rule is to try to avoid people who are coughing and sneezing and spewingthe flu virus around. We use the so-called "three foot rule" meaning that if you see such people, you should stay about three feet away from them because the flu droplets carrying the viruses can travel that far. Actually the safest way would be to lock yourself in the room for the winter, but that's not very practical. So try to avoid people who are obviously spreading germs at least three feet separation.

So, obviously, step number one, get that vaccine if it's available and you're a candidate for. Second, three foot rule, put politeness on the shelf. Number two, the whole washing of the hands, not as simply as it sounds. How do you do it right, Dr Tim?

Well, you have to wash them long enough and thoroughly enough. And I advocate, actually did a little thing on GMA years ago, by saying "singing 'Happy Birthday' twice through", that's about how much time you should wash your hands and you wash them thoroughly both on surfaces and in between the fingers. So washing hands is absolutely key. Anytime you can wash your hands. After you touch anything like ATM machines, or door knobs or anything, wash your hands.

They wanted me to play the clip of that, but I will not, out of respect for you, Dr Tim. I will not let people hear that.

I do like that song more every year, by the way.

Of course, you do. Now the difference in soaps, do I use the bacterial, do I use the anti-bacterial? What do I use?

Well, we prefer the so-called non-bacteria soaps and jells, and washes, you got all kinds of sanitizer bottles around, wipes you can carry in your purse. Antimicrobial soaps are on the down in terms of medical opinion because they may injure your tissues, they may contribute to anti-bacterial resistance. So use the non-bacterial soaps and jells, and wipes, and again, take advantage of every opportunity you can to use them to wash your hands, thoroughly and sing "Happy Birthday" twice.

The last two big tips go to your behavior, what is the right way to cough or sneeze, and what should you never do with your hands?

You should never cough into your hands. We asked people, and now we taught young kids, to cough into your coat or sleeve, that way you help prevent the spread of the germs. And you don't get them on your hands when you touch others or shake hands with others or even touch your own body or face.

And also, you want to keep your hands away from your face, right, at all times?

That's the way we typically pick up and spread the flu to ourselves and others. So try to keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes. A flu virus can enter all those portals. So be aware of what you've touched, and washing your hands, and keeping your hands away from those areas where they can enter. If you do these things and get the flu shot, you got a pretty good chance of avoiding the flu for the entire season.

Get that flu shot. Dr Tim, thank you so much for the tips. I am gonna wash my hands right after this segment.

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