In most of the United States, fall isn't just a time for changing leaves and cooler temperatures - it also typically marks the start of cold and flu season. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu annually results in tens of millions of illnesses and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, making it one of the biggest burdens on the American healthcare system each year.

The good news, however, is that much can be done to keep people safe from the flu and other fall and winter illnesses. Here's a look at some tips on how to handle flu season:

Get Your Flu Shot

One of the best ways to protect yourself from the flu is to get an annual flu shot before or early in the season. While the flu shot may not be 100 percent effective in preventing contraction, it can significantly reduce the severity of it. The CDC states that the risk of hospitalization is reduced by about 40 percent in vaccinated adults. The flu shot is covered by most medical insurance plans and is commonly administered by your primary healthcare provider or at your local pharmacy.

Practice Good Hygiene

The flu is a contagious disease that's spread by germs. Practicing good hygiene can help reduce your risk of contracting it. Some good hygiene tips include:

• Wash your hands often, especially before meals. Use warm water, soap and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Regularly disinfect surfaces in common areas. This is especially true in offices or public settings. Things like countertops, door handles, stair railings and more can all harbor germs and bacteria.
• Keep hand sanitizer in your vehicle, purse, desk, etc. Hand sanitizer can serve as an ideal complement to handwashing, especially after being in a public space where you may have touched common surfaces or objects.
• Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Be Respectful Of Others

If you're not feeling well, it's important to do your part to not spread germs and subject others to illness.

Some tips:

• Stay home when you're sick. It may seem obvious, but some people tend to try to "tough through" illnesses. Generally, you want to stay home from work, school and out of public until you've been fever-free for at least 24 hours and until your symptoms improve.
• If you have to go out in public when you're not feeling well, consider wearing a mask to minimize germ spread and avoid close contact with others.

Live a Healthy Life

Eat well. You've heard the old saying "You are what you eat," and it's true when it comes to preventing illness. A healthy, vitamin-rich diet can help keep your immune system strong.

Additionally, make sure you get plenty of sleep and stay physically active. These can also help keep the immune system strong.