Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days.
Avoid Catching the Flu
- Get a flu shot.
- Avoid the spread of germs. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth. Clean and disinfect surfaces that may have germs.
- Keep your distance from those who are sick. In waiting rooms, sit at least three feet away from people who are coughing.
- Practice healthy habits. Get plenty of sleep. Exercise. Eat nutritious foods.
Avoid Spreading the FluTo prevent the transmission of all respiratory infections, including influenza, take the following infection control measures:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Dispose of your Kleenex. Use the nearest waste receptacle to dispose of the tissue after use.
- Wash your hands. Wash your hands with non-antimicrobial soap and water, an alcohol-based hand rub, or an antiseptic hand wash after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials.
- Stay at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.