Answering an FAQ: How contagious is the flu?

Your holiday gathering was a hit, but the next day you heard that one of your party guests had the flu. Now you’re wondering, “How contagious is the flu?”

The short answer? It’s very contagious. Influenza viruses can spread rapidly, moving their way through a crowded room in quick order.

The good news is that you can lower your risk of developing the flu this season. A bit of prevention can go a long way.

How the flu spreads

The flu spreads from person to person primarily through droplets—little wet particles that sometimes emerge when you cough, sneeze, or talk. Those droplets often float in the air; the virus can spread when they end up in the mouth or nose of another person or, less commonly, when someone touches a surface where they’ve landed.

The influenza virus is most contagious in the first three days you have it. Since the virus can be detected in the body up to a day before symptoms even develop, it’s possible to pass the flu to someone before you know you have the flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu remains contagious for up to seven days, though the period may be longer for young children and people with weakened immune systems.

Share love, not the flu, this holiday season

Getting the flu probably isn’t on your holiday to-do list, but it’s more probable this time of year. In fact, during Christmas week in 2023, seasonal flu activity was considered “elevated” and on the rise. Estimates show that there were up to 75 million cases of the flu last flu season alone.

Protect yourself and those around you with these steps:

• Steer clear of those who are sick. While you won’t always be able to prevent exposure to the flu, avoid close contact with anyone exhibiting symptoms. If you’re caring for someone with the flu, consider wearing a mask and taking other precautions to protect yourself.
• Step up for a shot of protection. It isn't too late if you haven’t gotten the flu vaccine yet this year. The flu vaccine offers your best defense against severe cases and complications of the virus, which can require hospitalization.
• Wash your hands often. Handwashing can limit the spread of the flu by removing viral particles. Wash your hands regularly throughout the day, scrubbing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time. If you don’t have access to soap and water, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will do in a pinch.

These tips can help you avoid getting the flu, but you should also do your part to keep others healthy if you’re the one who is sick:

• Keep those viral particles contained. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, preventing the flu virus from entering the air. When you blow your nose, dispose of the tissue in the trash can and wash your hands afterward.
• Know the signs of flu and what to do. If you get the flu, the symptoms come on quickly, developing within two days of exposure to the influenza virus. Symptoms may include a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a fever. If you’re feeling particularly crummy, check in with a medical provider, who may prescribe antiviral medications to reduce the duration and intensity of the flu.
• Stay home if you’re sick. The CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after you are no longer experiencing symptoms, and your fever goes away without the help of a fever-reducing medication.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, flu-less holiday season.

Are you feeling under the weather? You’re due for a visit with a primary care provider. Find one here.