How Long is the Flu Contagious

All of us experience cold and flu at some point or the other. While common cold is mild and recovers gradually without treatment, seasonal flu symptoms are severe and at times, life-threatening. Both are caused by viral infections (except for some cases) and are spread from one infected individual to another. Thus, if a person is infected with influenza virus, chances for transmitting to other family members are high. But how long is the flu contagious in children and adults? Is flu contagious even after taking antiviral medications? Scroll down to get your queries solved on the same.

When is the Flu Contagious?

After being exposed to the flu virus, the pathogen retains inside the body without causing symptoms. This particular time gap is called the incubation period of a disease. Regarding flu incubation period, it may last for 1 - 4 days, depending upon the general health condition of the infected person. And influenza is contagious even before the symptoms appear, 1 day prior to exhibiting notable symptoms. Thus, an infected person can pass on the virus to others, without knowing that he/she has been infected. This is the main reason why, it is quite difficult to contain flu disease, and prevent it from spreading to healthy individuals.

For How Long is the Flu Contagious?

As aforementioned, the period for contagiousness of flu starts 1 day prior to development of early flu symptoms. This will continue for about 5 days to a week's period after the individual is diagnosed as ill. In simple words, transmission takes place before and after falling sick. In case of infected children, they are able to pass on flu virus for an extended period. Precisely, the contagious period may last for 7 - 14 days. This is because, the developing immune system takes longer period to expel virus completely.

Incidences of influenza are higher during certain period of the year. For example, the peak season for flu occurrence begins in November and continues till March of the next year in the United States. Mode of spreading the causal pathogen is via respiratory droplets released by the infected person during talking, coughing and sneezing. Believe it or not, a patient having influenza can spread the virus to another person, who is about 6 feet away from him/her. As expected, flu transmission from an infected person to healthy individuals is highest in crowded areas.

How Long is the Flu Contagious after Taking Tamiflu?

Of all the flu treatment medications, oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu) is prescribed as a reliable antiviral drug for seasonal flu and swine flu. It may be administered within 1 - 2 days after manifestation of flu symptoms. Also, it is prescribed for people who may be already infected with flu virus, but are yet to develop symptoms. Once inside the body, it inhibits the action of influenza virus (both type A and type B) and helps in alleviating symptoms. So, how long is the flu contagious with tamiflu? There is no exact data about the contagious period of flu after taking antiviral medicine. But, it is believed to shorten the period by a few days.

Here's hoping that you have understood all about how long is the flu contagious, with and without antiviral medication treatment. The risk for contacting flu virus is higher amongst children, pregnant women and people having a weakened immune system. Instead of going through flu treatment, adopt personal hygiene to prevent infection. Simply washing hands with soap and water, or using a hand sanitizer frequently are simple tricks to minimize the risks for contacting influenza virus. Also, infected patients should ensure that they follow good respiratory hygiene to avoid spreading of the infection.