How influenza spreads
Influenza is spread by droplets during face-to-face contact. There is also good evidence that influenza is spread through airborne spread, which means transmission could occur in enclosed spaces containing many people. Airborne spread may be reduced by avoiding enclosed spaces containing many people. Theoretically the use of medical masks, especially types like N95 masks, could help protect against influenza. There is some evidence that influenza may be spread by contaminated inanimate objects (fomites) which contaminate hands which then spread the infection to mucous membranes. This suggests that basic infection control measures, like proper hand washing could lessen the change of influenza transmission.
Incubation period is usually 1-3 days after contact with the virus. People infected with influenza are contagious or infectious 24-48 hours before symptoms appear and they are contagious after symptoms appear. Adults are contagious for 3-5 days after symptoms appear and children are contagious up to 7 days.
Influenza is spread by droplets during face-to-face contact. There is also good evidence that influenza is spread through airborne spread, which means transmission could occur in enclosed spaces containing many people. Airborne spread may be reduced by avoiding enclosed spaces containing many people. Theoretically the use of medical masks, especially types like N95 masks, could help protect against influenza. There is some evidence that influenza may be spread by contaminated inanimate objects (fomites) which contaminate hands which then spread the infection to mucous membranes. This suggests that basic infection control measures, like proper hand washing could lessen the change of influenza transmission.
Incubation period is usually 1-3 days after contact with the virus. People infected with influenza are contagious or infectious 24-48 hours before symptoms appear and they are contagious after symptoms appear. Adults are contagious for 3-5 days after symptoms appear and children are contagious up to 7 days.
