Little-known fact: You can give your dog or cat the flu! So far, the experts have found only a handful of cases of human-to-animal transmission, but vets are looking for more. And small sample or no, we now know it’s possible.

The researchers’ recommendation: if you’ve got the flu, keep your distance from your pet, just as you do with other people. Better yet, protect yourself against the flu first: Make sure you have enough vitamin D, fight viruses with elderberry extract, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and incorporate some exercise into your routine.

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