The flu is a viral infection, not bacterial. It can be passed to others by coughing, sneezing, shaking hands or touching germs on a phone or door knob. Healthy adults are contagious for about 5 days after flu symptoms develop. Recognize the symptoms of the flu and avoid contact with others when you are ill.
Types of Flu Symptoms
To determine if you are contagious, you must know the symptoms of the flu versus a common cold. Symptoms of the flu can be a fever, cough, chills, nasal congestion, muscle aches and headache.
Time Frame of Being Contagious
The length of being contagious depends on your age and health. The flu can spread from a healthy adult between one day prior to being sick until 5 days after the first flu symptoms. Young children or those with a weak immune system may be contagious longer than a week.
Considerations When You Are Contagious
If you have a fever over 101 F, stay home from work or other activities where you can expose others. A high fever, cough or sneezing can easily spread the flu virus to others. Wipe down things you touch, such as a phone, to prevent germs from spreading.
Benefits of Seeing a Doctor
Rest and plenty of fluids are the strongest defense in beating the flu. But, if you can visit a doctor within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms, you may be able to take an antiviral drug. Antivirals may shorten the length of the flu virus. This will also shorten the time you are contagious.
Time Frame of Catching Flu After Exposed
Once you have been around the flu virus, your symptoms can start between 1 to 4 days. On average, it takes about 2 days in a healthy adult for flu symptoms to begin. With a regular flu, about 10 percent of people in contact with an infected person will catch it.
Misconceptions About Flu Contagiousness
Just because you had the flu last year does not mean you will not get it the next year. Once you've had the flu, you develop antibodies to that strain of flu. However, you can still be contagious to new strains of the flu.
Prevention/Solution of Flu Contagiousness
Consider a flu vaccine or nasal spray. Natural ways to prevent the flu include frequent hand washing, staying away from crowds in flu season, exercising, eating right and getting enough rest.
