how flu contagious
Influenza (flu) is highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of people nearby or be inhaled into the lungs.
A person with the flu can be contagious from one day before they start showing symptoms and up to seven days after they get sick. Some people, such as young children and people with weakened immune systems, may be contagious for a longer period of time.
Flu can also spread indirectly through contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus. For example, a person with the flu can sneeze into their hand and then touch a doorknob or other surface, leaving the virus behind. If someone else touches that surface and then touches their mouth or nose, they can become infected with the flu.
To reduce the spread of flu, it’s important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Additionally, getting an annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the flu.
