When is flu virus contagious

For more information on general influenza vaccine recommendations refer to latest edition of The Australian Immunisation Handbook. Sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands, or cover your face with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw used tissues in a rubbish bin. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Wash hands for at least 10 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. If you are sick with flu, stay at home and avoid close contact with other people to prevent them from also becoming sick.

Keep sick children away from school and other activities. Wait at least 24 hours after fever resolves so you that you are unlikely to infect other people. This is especially important if you visit people who are more likely to get really sick if they get the flu - including pregnant women, infants, older people or people in hospital or residential aged care.

Similarly, if you think you may have influenza and you need to see a doctor, call ahead so the clinic can take precautions to reduce the risk to other people. Doctors usually diagnose influenza based on symptoms. The diagnosis can be confirmed by testing a sample of fluid taken from the back of the nose and throat or a blood sample. These tests are usually only needed if the illness is severe or if there is an increased risk of complications. The symptoms of influenza are usually managed by bed rest and taking simple analgesics for muscle aches and pains.

Children under 16 years of age must not be given aspirin-containing medications while ill with influenza. This is due to the increased risk of children developing Reye syndrome, a form of encephalitis and liver degeneration. Specific influenza antiviral medicines can reduce the severity and the duration of influenza but need to be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms.

Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. Steam inhalers are used as personal saunas for skin care or supporting respiratory health. We created a list of steam inhalers to suit your needs. You may have heard that you can sweat out a cold, but is this an effective remedy?

Learn more here. Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Try these remedies and OTC products to relieve your symptoms. Salt water gargles are touted as an effective and easy home remedy for a sore throat. We explain why, plus additional benefits. Can apple cider vinegar be used for colds?

We explain the benefits of apple cider vinegar, and what the science says about it treating the common cold. What does research say about whether you should exercise with a cold? Learn what you should and shouldn't do, and how you can help yourself recover…. When you have a cold, you may have a hard time sleeping well due to congestion, coughing, or a runny nose. Some medications may help you sleep better…. A healthy diet is key to flu prevention and a working immune system.

Check out these easy-to-make drinks that contain the essential nutrients. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Cameron White, M. Am I contagious? When to stay home Treatment What about allergies?

Glandular fever Glandular fever isn't particularly contagious and can usually only be spread through direct contact with saliva, which is why it's sometimes called "the kissing disease". There's no reason not to continue to go to school or work if you feel well enough.

Measles Symptoms of measles appear around 10 days after you become infected. Measles is most infectious after the first symptoms appear and before the rash develops. First symptoms of measles include: a high temperature red eyes cold-like symptoms — such as a runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids and sneezing Around 2 to 4 days later, a red-brown spotty rash develops that normally fades after about a week.

Mumps Mumps causes your salivary glands to swell. Mumps is most infectious from a few days before your glands swell until a few days afterwards. Rubella german measles People with rubella should stay off school or work, and avoid contact with pregnant women where possible, for 6 days after the rash firsts develops. Shingles You can't spread shingles to others. Shingles is infectious while the rash oozes fluid.

People with flu are most contagious in the first days after their illness begins. Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others with flu viruses for an even longer time.

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