Along with the crisp autumn air come several tips to keep in mind with the change of seasons:

Take steps to prevent the flu: The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with a flu-like illness, it is suggested that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue.

Have a safe and healthy Halloween: Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible. Avoid trick-or-treating alone; walk in groups or with an adult. Fasten reflective tape to costumes for higher visibility. Examine all treats for choking hazards. Have a flashlight with you to help you see and so that others may see you. Look both ways before crossing streets and walk on sidewalks whenever possible. Eat only factory-wrapped treats and avoid homemade treats from someone you do not know. Wear flame-resistant costumes and do not walk near candles or luminaries.

Test and replace batteries: When daylight savings time ends, it is wise to replace smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries. This should be done twice a year - when daylight savings starts and ends. It is also a good practice to test batteries in these devices every month.

Keep food safe: Food becomes a major focal point during the holidays. Basic food safety steps include cleaning your hands and surfaces often, separating foods to avoid cross-contamination, cooking to proper temperatures, and chilling foods promptly.

Be prepared for cold weather: Exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious health problems. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected. Using space heaters or fireplaces can increase the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Wash your hands: Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and possibly spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. Using alcohol-based rubs will help as well.

Watch your speed: Roads will become slick as temperatures continue to drop in the coming weeks. Remember to always adhere to speed limits in school zones as well as when driving on campus.