Health experts say the flu shot is not the only preventative step people can take as the flu season begins to peak these next three months. Many doctors and health experts have one main recommendation for people hoping to avoid trips to the doctor’s office during this time - getting a flu shot. Still, many other techniques are available to help prevent getting the flu. These include small lifestyle changes, such as coughing or sneezing into your elbow, properly disposing tissues and monitoring areas where germs are known to spread in public places. As always, one general health activity is another effective strategy. “Wash your hands. That single activity cuts down on influenza and a lot of other infectious diseases,” UTMB’s A. Scott Lea said.