Anyone can catch the flu1
Flu is caused by the influenza virus, which changes all the time and has many different strains.1,2 Everyone is at risk of catching flu. It doesn’t matter how fit and healthy you are, or your age.1,2
Flu is highly contagious1
Flu infection occurs when you breathe in droplets from the sneezes and coughs of an infected person, or if you touch a contaminated surface then touch your mouth, eyes, or nose.1
People with flu can be infectious for over a week3
• 1 day before symptoms develop
and
• Up to 5-7 days after becoming sick
The flu virus can survive in the environment up to 8 hours or more4
Up to 5 MINS
on hands after transfer from other surfaces
Up to 1 hour
in the air in enclosed environments
8+ hours
hard surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic
Flu can spread before any symptoms show
You can pass it on to family or workmates before you know you’re sick. You can be infectious to others for over a week: 1 day before symptoms develop, and up to 5-7 days after getting symptoms.
You can spread flu from:
BEFORE symptoms develop
and
AFTER getting symptoms