It's possible to outrun the flu -- sort of. In an item featured on MedlinePlus, Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV says that getting lots of exercise can help people avoid the flu, or at least lessen its severity.

MedlinePlus is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health

Haines said that this is the time of year "when flu germs are trying their hardest to attack you."

Her number one recommendation for avoiding the flu is to get a flu vaccine.

As for exercise, Haines said that in a recent study, adults who exercised frequently during flu season spent 43-percent fewer days with an upper respiratory infection. People who were more physically fit also experienced milder symptoms.

Haines said that getting adequate sleep strengthens the immune system so that it is better able to fight off infections like the flu.

Additionally, cleanliness contributes to healthiness. Haines says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends frequent cleaning of phones, doorknobs and other objects that get touched frequenly, in order to kill germs that may be lurking on their surfaces.

For more go to MedlinePlus.