Experts: Cell Phones May Expose You to the Flu - WBOY.com: Clarksburg, Morgantown: News, Sports, Weather

Flu season is here in the Mountain State and keeping safe from it could start with your cell phone.

The Monongalia County Health Department said cell phones are often left in open spaces and shared between people exposing them the virus.

With holiday gatherings around the corner the health department said protecting yourself from the virus begins with hygiene.

"The only you can try to do is keep distance, if it's not too impolite between you and the person you're speaking too, or turn your head when you cough. But when you're in crowds it's very difficult to protect yourself. That's why you should have the vaccine," said Ted Krafczyk of the Monongalia County Health Department.

To protect yourself from the flu that may be on your phone, AT&T recommends washing your hands regularly, cleaning your cell phone, using hands-free devices, and not using phones in the bathroom.