Flu transmission is easier than once thought
According to the CDC, the flu has been a daunting epidemic this year with 6,486 confirmed hospitalizations since October 1st and that number is expected to rise.
A new study from The University of Maryland found that sneezing, coughing and physical contact is not an all-inclusive list of transmission for the flu. Air droplets from normal breathing and conversational speaking were shown to contain the flu in 142 cases.
Prior to this study, little was known about just how easily the flu can be spread from person to person. Putting the flu shot aside, it’s important to understand how to prevent transmission of the flu through non-pharmacologic interventions.
Dr. Milton, lead researcher of this study explained,
“People with flu generate infectious aerosols (tiny droplets that stay suspended in the air for a long time) even when they are not coughing, and especially during the first days of illness. So when someone is coming down with influenza, they should go home and not remain in the workplace and infect others.”
It appears that during the first, second and third day of onset of symptoms sneezing actually contained less infectious capabilities than just regular breathing alone. This study sheds a new light, that hand-washing and good hygiene may not be enough to protect others from spreading or contracting the flu.
This new finding could shape the way that we educate the public and prevent epidemic and pandemic transmission of the flu. It was mentioned that the first and best step in protecting both ourselves and the public is to get vaccinated.
Questions: Do you get the flu shot every year? Do you know someone that has gotten the flu this year? What are some of the measures that you take to boost your immunity after getting the vaccine? Do you understand the difficulties of developing an effective flu vaccine?
To learn more about this research please see the original study at bioRxiv.
