| Wash your hands, gargle Listerine and stay away from people with coughs and colds.
Flu-like illnesses have escalated in West Virginia and have hit their highest level in more than four years.
The state Bureau for Public Health says more than 8,100 cases of flu-like illnesses were reported in the state last week.
Hospital beds are being filled with people suffering from flu and complications related to respiratory illnesses.
In December 2003 there were more than 14,800 cases reported during one week.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says West Virginia is among 49 states reporting widespread flu activity.
Nationwide, federal health officials say the rise in cases is partly because the flu vaccine doesn't protect against most of the spreading flu bugs.
The current flu shot covers about 40% of this year's flu viruses.
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