The Flu

About the Flu

Help protect yourself and your family from the flu by knowing the facts:

• The flu is a contagious virus that is spread from one person to another through tiny droplets that are released into the air when a person infected with the flu coughs or sneezes.
• Sometimes, people can become infected by touching their nose or mouth after touching something infected by the flu virus.
• Most healthy adults can infect others one day before they begin experiencing and up to five days after they become sick. That means you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
• A typical case of the flu can last up to one week.
• The flu can be a serious illness, particularly for mature populations aged 50 and older, and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.