How long are you contagious with the flu?

How long are you contagious with the flu? Most people may be contagious to others beginning 1 day before flu symptoms develop, and to 5 to 7 days after being ill. Many estimates are often provided for long periods of "contagious" for flu.

The length of contagious, based on earlier reasoning, depending on how long it takes the immune system to respond and how long the symptoms last. However, groups with weak immune systems including individuals immuno-compromised, very young, and parents will generally have the contagious period can last up to two weeks.

Kids may contagious the virus for more than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. It means that you may be able to pass the flu to others before you know you are sick, and when you get sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, people can still spread the virus to others.

People with the flu can be contagious to others until about 6 feet away. Most experts think that the flu virus spreads mainly by droplets created when people with the flu coughs, sneezes or speaks. These droplets can land on the mouth or nose of people who are nearby or may be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person may also get flu by touching surfaces or objects that have the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.