Medical researchers and clinicians anticipate a bad flu season. In the Puget Sound Area, the Seattle Flu Study will be up and running again this year, said Dr. Helen Chu, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

The project tracks how the flu travels through Seattle, and its team works to develop ways to stop its spread. Last year it asked people who felt fluish to come to various kiosks around town and submit a swab sample from the nose. This season the team also will incorporate testing of air in public places for the virus, as well as home-based testing, which will enable you to go online and order a swab kit to be sent to your home via U.S. Mail.

Chu also recommends getting the flu vaccine. It's the best kind of protection against the virus and will protect those around you, she said.