The flu is contagious 1-2 days before symptoms start and up to 5-7 days after symptoms have developed. You are usually the most contagious during the first 3-4 days of experiencing symptoms. Young children and people who have weak immune systems may be contagious for longer.
Both the severity and duration of flu symptoms vary from person to person. For most people, the flu resolves within a week, but symptoms can last up to 10 days or more for others.
How does the flu virus spread?
The flu spreads through a process known as viral shedding. A virus replicates inside a cell, and the viruses mix with mucus and saliva and find their way outside through droplets that escape when you cough or sneeze.
Droplets with the virus can stay suspended in the air and infect anyone nearby who inhales them. The virus can also be spread when an infected person touches their face and then touches surfaces like doorknobs and desktops. The objects that allow the settling of the virus and help in its transmission are known as fomites. When a healthy person touches these fomites and then their face with the same (unclean) hand, the virus can enter their respiratory system and cause flu.
How to prevent the flu from spreading
When it comes to reducing the spread of flu, the most important factor is practicing good hygiene in all seasons, especially during the flu season.
- Cover your mouth and nose: Your saliva and mucus are the main sources of transmission of the virus from you to healthy people around you. So remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, you can use the inside of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose.
- Throw away used tissues: Discard tissues immediately after use. Use a new tissue every time you sneeze or cough and clean your hands.
- Wash your hands: Wash. Wash. Wash. Every time you come in contact with your body fluids, wash your hands with soap or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Sanitize your hands before and after touching doorknobs, handles and public surfaces. Avoid direct contact with people and maintain a safe distance from them.
- Practice social distancing: Maintain a distance of about 6 feet from other people. This protects you from expelling air droplets carrying the virus. Masking up helps too.
How to ease flu symptoms
The best way to prevent getting the flu is to get a flu shot. But if you do end up getting sick, here are some tips to ease your symptoms:
- Stay hydrated
- Eat a healthy diet
- Take OTC painkillers
- Run the humidifier
- Get plenty of rest
Most importantly, stay home and take a raincheck from social gatherings. This will not only ensure that you take care of yourself but also that you stop the flu from spreading to other people.
QUESTION
Which illness is known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection? See AnswerTop How Long Are You Contagious With the Flu? Related Articles
acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrineAcetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine is a combination medication used for the temporary relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including runny nose, itching of nose and throat, itching and...
Cold & Flu QuizAches? Pain? Fever? This Cold & Flu Quiz tests your knowledge on the difference between coming down with the common cold and sickness from influenza virus.
Cold, Flu, and Cough: How to Avoid Infectious DiseasesThe right habits will lower your chances of catching an infectious disease. Learn what you can do to help yourself stay healthy.
Cold, Flu, & Cough: How to Clean After IllnessThis slideshow gives you a room-by-room look at how and what to disinfect after someone in your family has been sick.
Cold, Flu, Allergy TreatmentsBefore treating a cold, the flu, or allergies with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, it's important to know what's causing the symptoms, which symptoms one wishes to relieve, and the active...
Is It Contagious QuizIs it contagious? Take this quiz to learn about contagious diseases, how contagious diseases are spread, and myths and facts about contagions.
COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. ColdWhen you're feeling sick, it can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection from the symptoms of the common cold or the flu (influenza). While fever is common with the flu and...- dextromethorphanDextromethorphan is an over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressant used to relieve coughing caused by the common cold, flu, or other illnesses. Common side effects of dextromethorphan include dizziness,...
Flu Vaccine (Flu Shot)Get the facts about the flu vaccine (flu shot) side effects, ingredients, and vaccination effectiveness. Learn who should and shouldn't get a flu shot.
Foods for the FluThe best foods to eat when you have the flu soothe symptoms and help you feel better faster. Good foods to eat with the flu include popsicles, turkey, vegetable juice, chicken soup, garlic, ginger,...
How Long Does the Flu Last in Seniors?What is the flu? Learn the signs of the flu in seniors and when you need to call a doctor.
How Long Is a Cold or Flu Contagious?Viruses cause the common cold and the flu. Early symptoms and signs for a cold and the flu are similar, however, flu symptoms are typically more severe than cold symptoms. Cold and flu viruses are...
Flu (Influenza)Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu may be prevented with an annual...- FluMist, FluMist Quadrivalent influenza vaccine live intranasalInfluenza vaccine live, intranasal (generic names); FluMist, FluMist Quadrivalent (brand names) is a nasal vaccine prescribed to protect against infection with the influenza virus which causes "flu."...
Influenza Virus PictureThe flu is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract which are divided into three types, designated A, B, and C. See a picture of Influenza Virus and learn more about the health topic.- Mucinex DM (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide)Mucinex (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide) is an over-the-counter expectorant medication used to treat the symptoms of cough by loosening mucus and congestion. Serious side effects of...
- peramivirPeramivir is a medication administered intravenously to treat uncomplicated influenza in patients 6 months and older, who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days. Peramivir’s efficacy in treating...
- quinineQuinine is a natural compound (alkaloid) used to treat malaria, a disease with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. The most common side effects of quinine are a cluster of symptoms...
- remdesivirRemdesivir is an antiviral medication used to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Do not co-administer with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine; may reduce remdesivir’s antiviral activity. Common...
What's a Virus?Is a virus alive? Learn the definition of a virus. Viral infections like COVID-19 can occur in your eyes, mouth, skin, or anywhere else. Should you use antibiotics to treat the flu? Is this STD a...