A recent survey completed jointly between the Emily Post Institute and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases showed that many Americans may not be taking influenza as seriously as they say they do.

The survey, "Are you That Guy?", showed that while more than 80 percent of Americans think that those who have flu-like symptoms should stay away from others until they are feeling better, close to two-thirds said that in the past three years, they have hung around others while dealing with some stage of influenza themselves. The illness is contagious and can be spread easily.

"Most of us try our best to be considerate and do the right thing," said Anna Post, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post and co-author of the 18th edition of the Emily Post's Etiquette book. "While people recognize that the flu virus spreads easily, they admit to tossing proper etiquette aside when they have the flu."

There are many affordable health insurance rates available for consumers to take advantage of, and it may be a good idea to make sure a person and their family are properly insured in case someone becomes ill during flu season.