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Transmission and Prevention of Influenza

Flu Vaccine Campaign Slogan


Transmission (Spread) of Influenza

Influenza viruses are spread when a person who has influenza coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing viruses into the air and other people inhale the viruses. When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or lungs of a person, they begin to multiply, causing disease. The viruses can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a door handle) and then touches his or her nose or mouth.

A person who has the flu can spread viruses - that means they are contagious. Adults may be contagious from 1 day before feeling sick to up to 7 days after getting sick. Children can be contagious for longer than 7 days.

Image of Sneezing Person

Image Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)


Preventing Influenza

1. Take time to get flu vaccine.  The single best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated every year.

2. Take everyday preventative actions.  These steps can help prevent influenza and other illnesses:

  • Avoid close contact
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
  • Cover your mouth and nose
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then put your used tissue in a wastebasket.  It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
    • If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your  hands.
    • Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean your hands (here's how)
    • Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
    • Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
    • Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers in your bag and car, when soap and water is not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
    • Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick
    • If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. 
  • Practice healthy habits
    • Get regular exercise, enough rest, and eat healthy balanced meals.
  • Other habits for good health

3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them. Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir, and oseltamivir) can be used to prevent influenza. All of these medications are prescription drugs, and a doctor must be consulted before using them.


More Information


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