Influenza (Flu) Information
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious illness caused by a virus. It can cause mild to very severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in the respiratory droplets of our coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and land on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person - or on an object - and then touches their own mouth or nose.
Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. It is possible to be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others.
We should all adopt habits that will help lower our risk of catching contagious illnesses, including the flu:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu–like illness, stay home.
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