The flu is caused by the influenza viruses A and B, including their sub-types. These viruses can cause serious infections in the lungs and respiratory tract. The symptoms of the flu, characterized by a sudden onset of headache, chills and a dry cough, are followed by general body aches and a high fever that lasts three to four days. Symptoms of a cold also appear, such as a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and a tight feeling in the chest. Influenza viruses are spread from person to person through airborne droplets produced when sneezing or coughing.
Viruses can live for a short time on objects if contaminated by droplets from an infected person.
You can come down with the flu if you touch these objects and then touch your nose, mouth or eyes. The most infectious period is 24 hours before the onset of symptoms and during the peak period of symptoms, so you may not have any symptoms for two to four days after the virus has entered your body. Obviously, this is a highly contagious virus that spreads rapidly among family members and in school situations. The answer is yes if you are at risk of complications from the flu or if you are likely to spread the virus to a person having risks. Most at risk are those over 65 years of age and those with chronic illnesses such as asthma, immune disorders and heart problems.