by Debra Frank

Created on: February 03, 2009   Last Updated: February 10, 2009

Sometimes, despite your best efforts to avoid it, you may find yourself with a case of the flu. With rest and fluids, most healthy people are over the effects of this viral infection within a week, but for some the flu (influenza) infection, can be a deadly encounter. So once you are ill, it is important that you know how long you are infectious and how to limit exposure to people more prone to serious complications from the flu including those with chronic illnesses, the very young, and the very old.

If you have the flu, you will be contagious for about one day before symptoms begin and for about one week following the onset of your symptoms. If you have a weakened immune system, you may be contagious even longer. Children tend do be contagious for a slightly longer period. While you are contagious, you should avoid exposure to others.

The flu is a highly contagious (spread to others) viral respiratory infection. It is spread by contact of body secretions, specifically saliva, nasal secretions, stool and blood. Saliva can be suspended in air in microscopic droplets when we sneeze or cough. That is why covering your nose and mouth during a sneeze or cough is so important. Also, remember to wash your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom or blowing your nose. If you use a shared telephone, make sure that you disinfect it.

Why is preventing the spread of the flu so important? Because the U.S. Center for Disease Control estimates that one of every 1000 cases of influenza results in death. These deaths are most often caused by secondary bacterial pneumonia infections. Fatalities are noted more frequently in the frail elderly, young infants, and those with diseases that affect the body's ability to fight off infection, such as diabetes, or those that have had there immune system weakened by chemotherapy.

There are no cures for an influenza infection, but there are several medications now available by prescription that can lessen the effects of the disease. These anti-viral medications may also decrease the infection's ability to spread to others. If you or someone you know has been exposed or is suffering from the flu and have an increased risk of complications from the infection, contact your health care professional for more information about anti-viral medicines.

Preventing the flu is your best way of not sharing this potentially lethal infection. Make sure you get a flu vaccine every year. Take good care of yourself, to keep your immune system strong during flu season (the winter months.) Wash your hands often and disinfect frequently handled items such as toys, telephones, and door knobs.

About 20% of people living in a four season climate will contract the flu during flu season. Remember to avoid close contact with others for about a week if you do "get bitten" by the flu bug. If you practice the infection control measures shared earlier in this article, you may keep your friends, colleagues, and loved ones safe from infection.

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