The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posits that seasonal influenza contributes to tens of millions of illnesses related to the respiratory system in a given year. Another 250,000 to 500,000 deaths are attributable to influenza globally, in any given year. Vaccination with both types of vaccines---seasonal flu and H1N1 (swine) flu---can alleviate potential of the virus. In addition, take safety-and-distancing precautions in public spaces and thoroughly wash your hands after contact with others.
Person-to-Person Contact
Seasonal influenza is an airborne version and/or transferable via droplets of infected saliva that are usually coughed out in a public place. The World Health Organization suggests that an epidemic is caused when infected individuals do not take the proper precautions while in public to prevent others from getting sick. Without the use of a face mask, people who cough infectious materials onto surfaces, into the air and into the airspace of others can seriously jeopardize those in close confines or in highly populated spaces such as a mall, day care or hospital setting.
Environment
MedicalEcology.org defines the environmental contributions to influenza epidemics as related to migratory waterfowl, pigs, domestic poultry and sea mammals. Their commonly shared hazard to humans can be related to the fact that they all carry viral genomes called "glycoproteins"---haemagglutinin and neuraminidase---which are antigens that can infect humans during contact.
Surface Contact
The World Health Organization suggests that in addition to thorough hand-washing practices, increased efforts to maintain safety when handling migratory fowl, pigs, domestic poultry and sea mammals, or when visiting public places such as a grocery store, should be initiated.
Flu.gov further recommends getting vaccinations and using alcohol-based hand cleaners. The website warns the public about the dangers of trusting any product listed on the Internet that suggests it will prevent influenza. Many of these products are considered bogus or fraudulent and could ultimately jeopardize the health of those who use them.
