to others, a new study from France suggests. On average, people with the flu are contagious for one day after they start having symptoms. Only 5 percent of flu sufferers are contagious for more than three days, the study found.
"We’re finding that individuals have very little remaining infectivity four days after their symptoms, so it would indeed be safe for [them] to go back to a normal life" at that point, said study researcher Anne Cori, of the Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris, who studies the spread of infectious diseases. Infectivity refers to the ability of an individual to infect another person if that other person is susceptible to the virus, Cori said.
Previous studies have estimated the contagious period of the flu to be anywhere from one day to eight days. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people are contagious for up to five to seven days after they show symptoms.
Because it is virtually impossible to know for how long a person has the ability to infect others i based on observations alone, researchers use alternative methods to study this question. The new study examined information collected from lab experiments in which people were infected with the flu. The amount of virus in each person's nose at any given time was used to determine how infectious they were. This information was then plugged into a mathematical model to simulate disease spread.
The study also found that people who display symptoms of flu need to be isolated very quickly to avoid transmitting the disease.
The researchers estimate that, in a best-case scenario, a sick person could reduce the number of people he infects by 50 percent if he is isolated or treated within 16 hours of showing symptoms.
This scenario assumes that people are not contagious until after symptoms emerge — an assumption that is sometimes made for research purposes, but does not always hold true in the real world. In fact, according to the CDC, most healthy adults may be able to infect people one day before symptoms appear.
Since it's very unlikely that a person would be isolated so quickly after showing symptoms, and thus could spread the flu without realizing it, a better way to control flu spread would be to also isolate or treat people who have had close contact with infected individuals, the researchers said.
Randy Wexler, a professor of family medicine at Ohio State University, said he generally tells people who have the flu that they are contagious for one to two days before they show symptoms. He also advises them to stay home for 24 hours after their fever goes away.
The best way to avoid catching the flu is to get a flu shot each year, according to the CDC. Frequent hand washing is also important for flu prevention
, Wexler said. The new study was published in the August issue of the journal Epidemics.
By Rachael Rettner, MyHealthNewsDaily
Influenza (the "flu") can be dangerous for seniors. But when flu-like symptoms strike, seniors and family caregivers are often confused: is it the flu? Or just a common cold? Should you get a flu shot? What about the 2009 H1N1 ("swine") flu? Here are some things to know as we enter this year's flu season.
Is it a cold, the flu or "swine flu"?
It's not always easy to tell when someone has the flu! Cold and flu symptoms can be similar, with runny nose, scratchy throat, sneezing and coughing. But flu symptoms are more severe. The flu usually begins with fever, chills, headache and aching muscles. The accompanying sense of fatigue may last for days or even weeks.What about H1N1 ("swine") flu?
So far, people who have contracted the 2009 H1N1 flu (popularly called "swine flu") are experiencing very similar symptoms to those of seasonal flu (the "regular" flu that spreads across the globe every year). However, H1N1 flu may also cause vomiting and diarrhea, which are uncommon with seasonal flu. (Read on to find out more about H1N1 flu.)
Seasonal flu can be dangerous for seniors.
Though the seasonal flu can be pretty miserable for anyone, it can be a serious—even life-threatening—illness for older adults. Complications include secondary infections, such as sinus and ear infections, bronchitis or pneumonia, and damage to liver or kidneys. 60% of flu-related hospitalizations and 90% of flu-related deaths occur in people over 65.
How should seniors, family caregivers protect against the flu?
Get your seasonal flu shot. Unlike most immunizations, which protect over several years, the flu vaccine is only good for one year. This is because the vaccine must target a particular strain of flu every season. The 2009 seasonal flu vaccine is already available, and is recommended for almost everyone—especially for people who are over 65, and those with chronic diseases or a weakened immune system. People who live in or work in a healthcare or senior living facility should also get the vaccine.Don't forget: Medicare covers the annual seasonal flu shot for seniors. Many senior centers are offering the flu shot right now. Check with your local center for a schedule.
Prevent the spread of flu germs. The viruses that cause cold and flu are spread through the air or through direct hand contact. So the most effective way to prevent the spread of these viruses is hand washing. Wash the hands often in soap and water, and avoid putting fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. Avoid sharing drinking glasses, use paper towels and paper cups, and use tissues instead of a cloth handkerchief.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If a friend or relative—especially a small child—is showing signs of illness, ask that they visit at a later time. What if you are caring for a person with the flu at home? Follow the above sanitation steps. Take extra precautions while disposing of used tissues. And wash used linens with hot water, tumbling dry on the "hot" setting.
First aid if you or a loved one gets the flu
While no drugs can cure a cold or the flu, antiviral drugs (such as Tamiflu ®) may lessen the effects. The person's doctor may suggest decongestants, antihistamines, pain relievers or cough syrups. (Note: check with your healthcare provider before taking aspirin or aspirin-containing products.) Drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest until the fever has passed. Salt-water gargles may relieve sore throat, and hot drinks, too, are soothing.
Flu symptoms: when are they serious?
Most people recover from the flu without complications. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says to seek medical attention if seniors are experiencing:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting.
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