How is the flu spread?
Influenza spreads easily from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This releases droplets from the nose and throat that contain the flu virus. The flu virus can also be spread when someone touches something that has virus on it, and then touches their nose, eyes or mouth. The flu can be spread from an infected person from the day before they get sick until about seven days after they first have symptoms, so they are contagious before they even know they are sick.
The flu, much like the common cold, is airborne and can be easily transmitted from person to person. When a person infected with the flu virus sneezes, coughs, or even speaks, microscopic droplets that contain the virus are expelled into the air, which, if inhaled, can infect others. The flu can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.