You can’t stop coughing, your nose is running, and your throat ache is at a level 10. On top of this, you feel exceptionally fatigued. Chances are that you are battling the flu.
Fighting the flu can understandably be a miserable experience. For this reason, you may be worried about spreading the flu to other people in your workplace. So, for how long is the flu contagious? Here’s a rundown on what you need to know about the influenza b contagious period.
How Easily Can the Flu Spread Once You Have It?
Physicians usually recommend that you stay home if you’re battling the flu. That’s because if you go to work while sick, your coworkers can easily contract the virus.
In fact, experts say that if you have the flu, you can spread this illness to other people as far as six feet away. The flu virus is typically spread through the droplets created when you talk, sneeze, or cough.
How Long Is the Flu Contagious?
Timing your return to work properly will help to decrease other people’s chances of getting sick from the flu. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best that you stay home while you are still suffering from symptoms like vomiting, coughing with phlegm, diarrhea, and fever. Some physicians say that a safe period to stay away from the workplace once you begin to notice flu symptoms is five days. In addition, you shouldn’t return to work until you’ve been fever free for 24 hours.
How Can You Prevent the Spread of the Flu Virus This Year?
As you ponder the answer to the question “How long is the flu contagious,” you should know that even when you begin to feel better days after contracting the flu, you might still be contagious. For this reason, it’s critical that you take a few steps to prevent the flu virus from spreading:
- Wash your hands.
- Disinfect areas you think might be contaminated.
- Avoid sharing utensils with others or sanitize them before sharing them.
- Avoid coming into contact with other people.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Call us at (718) 206-6000 for more information about the flu or to schedule a physician appointment to get checked out if you believe that you have the flu.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.