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.

Many consumers are trying to quit smoking, but with recent budget cuts, government help may be harder to find, according to The Los Angeles Times.

The habit of smoking is the top cause of death in the country that is considered preventable. The source noted that approximately 70 percent of current smokers are trying to quit, but don't have the ability to, as they need help. Government-funded programs that promote smoking cessation have been cut by more than one-third over the past four years, as budget cuts are becoming the norm across the country. Of the money allocated for tobacco cessation, most states will be spending around 2 percent of it in 2012.

"It's a travesty," Danny McGoldrick, vice president for research at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, told the news source. "These programs more than pay for themselves."

For consumers who want to quit smoking, but don't think their health insurance plan will help pay for their cessation attempts, it may be smart to look for affordable health insurance rates. Not only will the consumer save money, but they may find a sufficient insurance plan, as well.

Recent health insurance rate increases by Trustmark Life Insurance Company forced the federal government to comment on the situation, requiring the organization to get rid of the hike, or explain why it increased rates.

Five states would be affected by the changes, including Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Virginia and Alabama, according to the release. In total, close to 10,000 consumers would witness the rate hike. The new healthcare reform rules allow the government to force companies to explain increases in health insurance rates.

"Before the Affordable Care Act, consumers were in the dark about their health insurance premiums because there was no nationwide transparency or accountability," said Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  "Now, insurance companies are required to disclose rate increases over 10 percent and justify these increases."

While the federal government has the ability to question rate increases, many states have taken advantage of the power, as well, the report noted.

Even with these actions in mind, the full effects of healthcare reform are unknown. It may be a good idea for consumers to try to lock in affordable health insurance rates now before any more changes are enacted.

While some consumers try to cut back on their health insurance options in order to save money, that many not be the best route to take. A report from health insurance company Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware showed that there are other ways to save money on a plan.

Consumers should be sure that all medical care providers are in their insurance company's network, the source noted. This is because it will save significant amounts of money on costs such as copays. In addition, patients need to make sure that if referrals are necessary, they obtain one, as this will prevent unnecessary costs.

Americans also need to take any available precautions and testing options that are covered on their plan, according to the source. This has the potential to keep consumers healthy and costs low. In addition, if something does happen, ensure that only major issues are brought to the emergency room. Minor problems can be dealt with at the doctor's office or clinic.

If the plan itself is the problem, it may not be a bad idea to compare affordable health insurance rates. This practice can ensure that the new plan is both sufficient and inexpensive.

Some moms may be unaware of some important aspects of germ knowledge, and this is something that is important to learn about when dealing with young children, according to a survey from Playtex.

A significant portion of moms did not score well in the survey, which shows there is room for improvement when it comes to germ knowledge. While nearly every mom noted the importance of washing hands after each diaper change, less than 35 percent of new moms knew that the diaper-changing table was the top area for germs.

"Keeping the nursery as clean and as germ-free as possible is such an important aspect for most parents," said Dr. Benjamin Tanner, a germ expert and microbiologist who partnered with the company in the study. "But when we surveyed moms, we found that they generally aren't aware of the best ways to do it. The good news is, with the right knowledge, keeping germ levels to a minimum in the nursery is much easier than most moms think."

Moms who are concerned about their young children's well-being may benefit from examining their insurance plan. If the coverage is not up to their standards, it may be a good idea to compare health insurance quotes and find the best fit.