With the flu season upon us, experts warn that the world may be on the brink of yet another killer pandemic, like the 1918 outbreak that claimed the lives of more than 20 million people. Besides getting your annual flu shot, there's a lot you can do to minimise your chances of becoming infected.

Take action:
Wash your hands frequently and do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth unnecessarily; be careful of using heaters for prolonged areas in a closed environment – heaters cause dry air which compromises the body's defence mechanisms; avoid close contact and prolonged exposure to people with flu; try not to unnecessarily touch objects around you when in public places – such as the rail of the escalator, your coughing colleague's pen or a computer mouse; and quit smoking.