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.
Franz Kafka could not conjure up a more complex tale than the way we have come to pay for our seat on a train. There are, however, some smart routes through this maze of fares and price increases - routes that can save you money every time you take the train, and that horrible sensation: cheap seat envy.