The Flu and You December through March is peak flu season. Outbreaks of influenza happen nearly every winter, with varying severity. This highly contagious virus is spread by tiny aerosol droplets that fly through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. It can also spread when people wipe their nose, and you shake their hand or touch an object they just handled. School-age children are mostly likely to get the flu first, and then carry it home and to other group activities.
Flu strikes within one to three days after exposure to the virus.
Both the flu and cold are viral infections that cause symptoms such as coughing and sore throat. While a cold is a minor infection of the nose and throat, the flu is usually more severe with high fevers, and aches and pains. On average, symptoms last four to five days. If you think you're coming down with flu, see a primary care physician as soon as symptoms appear. A doctor's visit is most beneficial within the first 48 hours of infection.