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.
United to Reconfigure Some Boeing 777s to 10-Abreast Seating. United Airlines has confirmed that the current 2-5-2 configuration will be changed to a 3-4-3 configuration on some Boeing 777 aircraft, netting an additional 20 seats.