Most people already know that thoroughly cleaning your hands your hands and avoiding ill people can reduce your chance of getting the flu. The flu is an infectious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, according to the CDC). Each year, seasonal flu outbreaks are caused by influenza A and influenza B. The flu may cause moderate to severe sickness, hospitalization, and even death in certain cases. However, how does the illness spread? This article covers everything that you need to know about how the flu virus spreads.
The flu mostly transmits from person to person, and according to the CDC, it is possible to spread the virus to those up to six feet away. When sick people cough, sneeze, or speak, respiratory droplets are released, transmitting the flu.
Those droplets may subsequently fall in the mouths or noses of individuals close by or be breathed into the lungs, causing an infection. The flu may also be contracted by touching an infected surface or item and then touching the face with the same hands.
Airborne transmission of the flu is possible, but it is not the most common route. A little particle that can stay suspended in the air for a long time is called airborne. Respiratory droplets are denser and fall fast after being released from a person.
According to the CDC, the flu is mostly transmitted by respiratory droplets. However, while airborne transmission is possible, it is usually only over short distances and does not happen as often as droplet transmission. As with many respiratory viruses, the flu can spread both by air and respiratory droplets.
Research suggests that airborne transmission only occurs in certain conditions. The flu is mostly transmitted via close physical contact. The flu virus may be more likely to linger in the air during the winter when the air is dry. That small quantity of fluid that covers the particles evaporates easily, and they become less dense. One of the reasons for the prevalence of influenza in the winter is that the air is so dry.
Masks, social distance, and hand washing are all good flu preventative strategies. Getting vaccinated against the flu is essential. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine has been demonstrated to minimize flu-related symptoms and the risk of complications that may cause hospitalization and death.
Other recommendations include keeping a safe distance from ill people, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and washing the hands often. When influenza is widespread in the community, medical professionals suggest practicing social distancing, especially those who are at high risk for flu complications.
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Even in generally healthy individuals, contracting the flu increases the chance of significant complications, hospitalization, and in rare situations, death. Many people avoid taking the flu vaccination due to concerns about possible adverse effects, but the side effects usually disappear within a day or two. If you have additional questions about the flu shot, contact an urgent care center.
Request an appointment or call Millennium Medical Care Reston at 703-440-7000 for an appointment in our Reston office.
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