How does the flu spread?

People who have the flu can spread the virus by coughing or sneezing. Droplets released when a sick person coughs, 

sneezes, or talks can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into 

the lungs. 

People may also catch the flu by touching their mouth or nose after touching something with the virus on it, such 

as doorknobs, tables, or an infected person’s dirty hand. 

Influenza (Flu)

Flu in People

What is the flu? 

The flu is an illness caused by flu viruses. The flu may make people 

cough and have a sore throat and fever. They may also have a runny or 

stuffy nose, feel tired, have body aches, or show other signs they are not 

well. The flu happens every year and is more common in the fall and 

winter in the U.S. People of all ages can get the flu, from babies and 

young adults, to the elderly. 

Do people in the U.S. get the flu?

Yes. Flu viruses spread worldwide. Flu tends to occur mostly in the fall 

and winter months in the United States. Many people get the flu each 

year. The flu is also found in other parts of the world. But the time of 

year when flu is most common can vary from one area to another.

Spread of the virus:

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How do you know if you have the flu?

Signs of the flu can include:

Not everyone who is sick with flu will have all the signs of the flu at the same time. Some people with the flu don’t 

have a fever. Most people who get the flu get better without seeing a doctor or taking medicine.

Fever

Headache

Cough

Chills

Sore throat

Feeling weak or more 

tired than usual

Runny or stuffy nose

Vomiting

Body aches 

Diarrhea

Two less common signs of the flu include:
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What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

CDC recommends these steps to fight the flu:

Prevention & Treatment

How sick do people get with the flu?

Some people get very sick and others do not. Most people who get sick get 

better without seeing a doctor or taking medicine. However, some people 

can get very sick from the flu and can die. Many of the people who get very 

sick are older than 65 years or have a medical condition such as: diabetes, 

heart disease, asthma, or kidney disease, or are pregnant. Children younger 

than 5 years of age are also at greater risk. 

How long can a person with the flu spread the virus to 

other people?

Most people may be able to spread the flu from 1 day before showing 

symptoms to 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin. Severely ill persons or young 

children may be able to spread the flu longer. 

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Vaccination Stay away from people who 

are sick. 

Use medication the way your 

doctor recommends it. 

Wash your hands often 

with soap and warm water. 

If soap and water are not 

available, use an alcoholbased hand rub.
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Everyday health habits to protect your health and the health of others:

Cover your nose and mouth 

with a tissue or your arm 

when you cough or sneeze. 

Throw the tissue in the trash 

after you use it.

Wash your hands often with 

soap and water. If soap and 

water are not available, use 

an alcohol-based hand rub.

If you are sick with flu-like 

symptoms, stay home for 

at least 24 hours after your 

fever is gone.*

Do not touch your eyes, nose 

or mouth because germs 

spread this way.

*Your fever should be gone without using fever-reducing medicine. Staying at home means that you should not leave your house except to get 

medical care. Stay away from others as much as possible so you don’t make them sick. 

During flu season, be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home 

for a few days. Keep some over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand 

rubs, tissues, and anything else you need so that you do not have to go out 

while you are sick. If you are really sick or have other medical conditions 

or concerns, call your doctor. Your doctor will let you know if you need a 

flu test, flu treatment, or other care. 

If I have a family member at home who is sick with 

the flu, should I go to work?

People who are not sick but have a sick family member at home with the

flu can go to work as usual. Take simple steps such as washing your hands 

often with soap and warm water. If you cannot find soap and water, use an 

alcohol-based hand rub. Take these steps to prevent getting the flu from a 

sick family member.
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In children:

If you or someone you know gets sick and shows any of the 

following warning signs, get EMERGENCY medical care:

Fast breathing or trouble 

breathing

Not waking up or not 

interacting

Bluish or gray skin color

Being so irritable that the 

child does not want to 

be held

Not drinking enough fluids Serious or constant vomiting

Flu-like symptoms improve 

but then return with fever 

and worse cough

What is the best way to wash my hands to avoid germs?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. When you wash 

your hands:

	 • Use soap and warm water.

	 • Wash for 15 to 20 seconds.

When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. If using 

a hand rub, rub your hands with the sanitizer until they are dry.

In infants:

You should also look for these warning signs: being unable to eat, having no tears when crying, and having far 

fewer wet diapers than normal.
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In adults:

Hard time breathing or 

shortness of breath

Confusion

Pain or pressure in the chest 

or stomach

Serious or constant vomiting

Sudden dizziness

Flu-like symptoms improve 

but then return with fever and 

worse cough

Are there medicines to treat the flu?

Yes. Prescription medicines called antiviral drugs can treat the flu. If you 

are sick, these drugs can make you feel better faster and make the flu feel 

milder. Most people who get sick get better without the need for these 

medicines. But, if you need help getting well, your doctor may decide to 

give you antiviral drugs.

For more information call CDC info at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636) or go to www.cdc.gov/flu.