Direct Contact
According to the University of Georgia Health Center, the most common cause of influenza spread is by direct contact with an infected person. The virus is spread through coughing, sneezing or spittle while talking. Airborne virus germs are inhaled by an uninfected person or land on the uninfected person, who subsequently touches his eyes, nose or mouth and becomes infected. This is the primary reason that influenza gets passed around so quickly in areas where people are in close contact, such as schools, colleges and military barracks.
Indirect Contact
Because an influenza virus can live outside the human body for several hours, infection may get passed from indirect contact with an infected person. Typical examples are when a person with influenza touches a doorknob, faucet or toilet handle, remote control or phone without washing her hands first. The other means of indirect contact are when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The Kalamazoo County Health Department states that airborne droplets can be cast up to 3 feet from a cough or sneeze; this "droplet spread" can land on an item that is shared by an unsuspecting healthy person and infect him.
Contagious Period
A person who has contacted an influenza virus is contagious beginning the day before she begins to feel sick, which is why it is so important to emphasize a regular hand-washing routine. An infected adult will continue to pass the virus for 7 days, and children may remain contagious for longer than 7 days because their immune systems are less developed. Some persons may become infected with influenza and never show any signs of illness, allowing them to unknowingly spread the virus while feeling perfectly healthy.
Preventing Infection
Hand washing is the single-most effective deterrent to passing around influenza viruses. Children especially should be trained to wash or sanitize their hands often, especially when in crowded areas. When sharing a house or dorm room with an infected person, it is vital that common areas and objects touched by the sick person be cleaned or sanitized regularly. Examples that might be overlooked are remote controls, appliance handles, doorknobs and cupboard handles as well as furniture, pillows, clothing and bedding.
