University suggests how to avoid infection with flu virus EDMONTON, Alberta, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The best way to guard against influenza -- getting a flu shot -- often isn't 100 percent effective, so the University of Alberta suggests ways to stay healthy. The University of Alberta's Wellness Services suggests to stay healthy during flu season people should: Wash hands often. How many time a day do you use door handles, public tables, counters in stores and restaurants? Every time you set your hand on one of the desks in a classroom or open a door it's like you're giving a high five to every other person who has previously touched it, so washing your hands is a big part of avoiding the flu. Cover your mouth with your elbow if you have to cough or sneeze. Germs can spread 6 feet from an infected person coughing and sneezing. The elbow method is also the best way to prevent you from rubbing your germs back on yourself. Avoid rubbing your eyes, wiping your mouth, or touching your nose before washing your hands. Forget about sharing during flu season. Avoid sharing water bottles, lip balm, or that pen you chew on. And if you have a reusable handkerchief ... keep it to yourself. Stay away from healthy people if you are sick. If you or your friends are sick, keep in touch over the phone, or iChat, or G-Chat, or Skype. If you see a sneezing person sitting on the bus, opt to stand or keep moving to the back. Throw away all used paper tissues and paper towels so they are not touched by others by mistake.