Articles

Transmission of the Flu

"How do I get the Flu?"

The flu is one of the most contractible viruses that are still in existence and pose a threat to people all around the world. The influenza virus is so contractible because it can be transmitted from person to person in more than one way.  Direct-contact transmission involves skin to skin contact with the physical transfer of microorganisms to others that are just as susceptible to contracting the virus. 

The virus can also be transmitted by droplet transmission, this occurs when contagious droplets are expelled by coughing or sneezing and come into contact with another person's mouth or nasal cavity. These droplets are looking for other droplets to attach themselves to.  These droplets can infect a person up to six feet away, so you don't necessarily have to be in close contact with an infected person to contract their illness. 

As of right now, there is no evidence supporting the idea that the virus can be spread over long distance through ventilation systems or anything of the like.  Prolonged exposure to air pathogens also reduce their effectiveness by the time it reaches another immune system.  However, if there is evidence of poor ventilation, you are at a higher risk of contracting the infection.

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