Flu Facts

How Flu is Spread

ALL flu is viral and can be spread through infected droplets from breathing passages. Flu viruses are NOT "airborne." Rather, droplets are expelled by talking, kissing, spitting, coughing and sneezing. Droplets can spread up to three feet from the infected person, either directly to other people or indirectly through hands and other surfaces before, during and after an infected person has symptoms.

Symptoms of Flu

There are several different kinds of flu virus, and even the same flu virus can affect different people in different ways. However, symptoms usually include the following:

• Fever (temperature of greater than 100° F)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches/chills
• Occasionally diarrhea and/or vomiting

Avoiding the Flu

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• If tissues aren't available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough, sneeze, or touch shared surfaces. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Clean shared surfaces (doorknobs, keyboards, phones, etc.) with disinfectant.
• Do not share cups, eating utensils, lip balm, etc.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Keep a distance of about 6 feet if possible.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Get a seasonal flu vaccine.
• Strengthen your immune system: eat a balanced diet; exercise on a regular basis; get plenty of rest.

More Information

For Information on caring for someone in your household with flu visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/guidance_homecare.htm#c

For additional information on the flu visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm