How is flu transmitted?
If you suspect you’ve got the flu, take care of yourself, but take precautions so you don’t expose others to the virus.
People are exposed to the flu when someone who has the flu coughs or sneezes, or leaves the virus on things they handle.
Adults may be contagious from one day prior to becoming sick and for three to seven days after they first develop symptoms. Some children may be contagious for longer than a week. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body. During the time someone is contagious, the air around them, their hands, and everything they touch can potentially expose others to the flu virus.
If you have the flu, there are simple steps you can take to minimize the risk to others in your household or where you work.
The oldest method is still the best one - frequent hand washing. The friction of rubbing soapy hands together under running water is highly effective if you scrub for at least 15 seconds and scrub under and around nails and between fingers.
Cover your mouth when you cough, and place used tissues in a waste receptacle so no one else will handle them. Additionally, you can help prevent the spread of flu by minimizing your contact with other people while you are sick. If you believe you have the flu, stay home from work, school and other social activities. By doing this, you can help to ensure that the flu virus is not transmitted to others.
