Influenza, also known simply as the flu, is a year round virus that can cause serious illness and even death. Everyone is susceptible to the flu--even if you obtained an annual flu shot, there are other flu strains that can still infect you. Understanding causes of the flu is the best way to avoid spending days and weeks out of work sick.
Hand to Hand
Poor hand hygiene is the number one cause of the flu. The flu virus is spread by droplets, which are liquid flu-infested molecules that are hardy and can live outside the host, which is you, for up to two days, according to the Mayoclinic.com. Simple touching, or even carrying infected laundry, can be a cause of the flu. Touching stationary, well-used objects such as door handles, water fountains and stair rails is a common cause of influenza if proper hand hygiene is not met.
Airborne Droplets
A main cause of community outbreaks of the flu is coughing and sneezing in public. Sneezing and coughing in public, or being around those who are ill is a guaranteed cause of the flu. Each sneeze generates around 40,000 droplets, which contaminate the public air. These flu-containing droplets land on tables, doors, and even your clothing. Home surfaces such as counter tops, doorknobs, and light switches should be washed frequently with a commercial disinfectant to stop flu contamination.
Influenza Strains
Three different types of the influenza virus have been identified as types A, B and C. Type A Influenza viruses are those responsible for world wide pandemics, such as the H1N1 flu, and can be fatal to humans. Type B Influenza viruses are those that elicit community-wide illnesses and are rarely fatal. Type C viruses are not tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as type C strains only cause mild symptoms and are rarely harmful to humans.
The influenza virus is tenacious in that each type mutates constantly to stay alive despite human immunities. This is why flu shots are administered annually, choosing the top three strains most common during that season.
