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If you want to be one of the 20 percent of Americans who
catch the flu this
season, shake hands with a lot of sick people.
Sickly folk are contagious for a long time. An adult can
spread the virus
one day before and three to seven days after symptoms show. Kids are contagious
for even longer periods of time. Although you can steer clear of those that
sniffle, some infected individuals show no symptoms and can still spread the
virus to others.
Most commonly, the virus travels through the air in liquid
droplets from coughs and sneezes. Viruses prefer the wintry
conditions of cold air with low humidity. In humid air, the droplets grow
heavy with water and fall to the ground—or to other surfaces.
To avoid the flu altogether, your best shot is to move to
the tropics. Flu season is virtually nonexistent in those hot and humid
conditions.
If you do fall ill, you can avoid transmitting the flu by
following these steps from Harvard Medical School.
- Always
cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
- Throw
used tissues away immediately.
- Wash your
hands often, especially after you sneeze, cough, or touch your eyes,
nose, or mouth.
- Keep
your distance from others — don’t kiss, hug, or stand so close to someone
that saliva might get on them when you talk.
- Make
sure someone is disinfecting household surfaces and items frequently,
including children’s toys.
Some of these tips, especially the hand-washing, are also
useful prevention measures if you're feeling just fine.
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