The flu, like a cold, is a respiratory infection but is caused by an entirely different group of viruses - namely the influenza A, B and C viruses. Perhaps the best way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu shot before the flu season hits.
I called Lufthansa, and they told me that there are Economy Plus seating sections on the Bangalore to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Chicago legs. But, since I bought tickets through United, they told me I can't get any seat assignments until check-in in Bangalore unless I work with United.
Now they are turning to seats. Since last summer, American, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines and United Airlines have increased the percentage of coach seats requiring an extra fee. Some -- like those on Delta, JetBlue Airways and United -- come with more legroom.