Flu Immune 500

The immune systems of the elderly, the very young and those with chronic diseases will not be as efficient or as quick to deal with the flu virus as stronger immune systems. For this reason the period of contagion may be somewhat longer than normal for these special groups. This means that the length of time that you are contagious with the flu virus will depend upon your age and the state of your health. Small children and babies are undoubtedly the most contagious. If there is an infected child in your household, you are fairly likely to contract the virus yourself.

Unfortunately for all concerned, you may even be contagious while the virus is still incubating, in other words before you start to feel the first uncomfortable symptoms of flu. By the same token, others in your family, workplace or on your regular public transport may already have the infection and be spreading the illness.

In general, it is thought that one day before the onset of the symptoms and up to five days after the flu has set in is the period when most people are contagious. However, for those groups with weaker immune systems, the period could be as long as a couple of weeks.

Because flu can have such devastating effects if left untreated, for instance, bronchitis or secondary bacterial pneumonia, and because it is highly contagious, you should be extra careful during those times of the year when such infections generally occur. Infections of the respiratory tract, which include all the different strains of flu virus, are passed on in the airborne droplets of others’ coughs and sneezes. Keep a supply of paper tissues handy to catch your own coughs and sneezes, and ensure that your tissues are disposed of carefully.

The virus can also be passed on by infected people who have touched their eyes, nose or mouth with their hands and not washed afterwards with soap and water. This is how and why epidemics occur in institutions such as schools, residential homes and also, ironically, hospitals. People who live and work in these institutions are usually advised to have a flu injection to minimize the risk of whole communities being affected. Thankfully, the virus cannot be transmitted by someone who has just had a flu injection because the vaccine used is not active. However, the influenza virus mutates all the time and last season’s flu virus will doubtless be different from this year’s; hence, the need for annual shots.

Because of the high risk of contagion, you should avoid the company of others when you yourself have the flu. Keep your association with other people, even your own family, to a minimum because, once caught, the only solution is to let the infection run its course. The best thing you can do is take the appropriate remedies to alleviate the worst of the symptoms, although, of course, should the infection occur in a severe form or in someone with a particularly weak immune system, you will need to advise your doctor.