The flu has been particularly bad this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the percentage of people seeing their health care provider for influenza-like illness is the highest since the 2009 pandemic. According to the CDC’s website 42 states including Ohio experienced high influenza-like illness activity in the most recent week from which data is available (the week ending Jan. 27). Although there’s no way to eliminate the chance of getting the flu, a cautious and proactive approach can reduce the odds significantly.