How long does the flu remain contagious during peak flu season activity?

With influenza A (H3N2), or Subclass KWhich make up a large portion of the viruses circulating, doctors stress the importance of getting the latest influenza vaccines, staying home while sick and washing hands frequently, among other prevention methods.

If you’ve been exposed to or have had the flu, here’s what to know about how long the virus is transmitted.

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“You’re usually contagious with the flu for five to seven days after symptoms start,” Dr. Samantha Bicking, senior director of immunizations at Walgreens, based in Massachusetts, told Fox News Digital.

“However, some groups remain infectious for longer periods. Young children People with weakened immune systems can spread the virus for more than seven days, sometimes two weeks or more.

The United States is going through flu season, with many states reporting “moderate to very high activity” of the flu-like illness, according to the CDC. (Istock)

It’s a myth that people can’t be contagious until they show symptoms, according to Bicking.

“The flu is most contagious during the first three to four days after symptoms appear,” she said. “However, you can start spreading the virus a day before you feel sick, perhaps It remains contagious For up to a week or more.”

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The pharmacist added that the incubation period – the time between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms – is usually two days, although it can range from one to four days. People with mild symptoms can still spread the flu.

“The vaccine still provides protection against serious disease caused by subtype K, which appears to be circulating,” one doctor told Fox News Digital. (Istock)

For everyone who started I feel sick or have been around someone with the flu, Becking recommends limiting contact with others to avoid spreading the virus.

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“To be safe and prevent the spread of the virus, stay home until you have been free of fever for at least 24 hours without use Fever-reducing medicine“For most healthy adults, this typically corresponds to five to seven days after symptoms begin,” advises Bicking.

She added that people can take extra precautions, such as wearing masks, for a few days after returning to normal activities.

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“However, use your best judgment and consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure whether you are well enough to leave home,” she added. “If your other symptoms do not improve, or you still feel generally ill, it is wise to stay home and exercise Good hand hygiene“.

Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be able to spread the virus to others for a longer period of time, sometimes up to 14 days, according to the pharmacist.

“Stay home until you have been free of fever for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications.”

Becking noted that coughing can last for weeks after other symptoms subside. “Although a persistent cough is not necessarily a sign that you are still contagious, it is essential to mask up and practice good cough etiquette when around others,” she advised.

some Antiviral medicationsWhen started early, it can reduce how long a person remains contagious with the flu.

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“These medications work best when started within two days of symptoms appearing,” Peking noted. Anyone interested in antiviral medications should talk with their health care provider or pharmacist for personalized guidance.

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Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and runny nose.

Subclade K was discovered as the culprit Global cases riseThis causes more severe symptoms and increases the risk of spread.

A pharmacist said the flu is most contagious during the first three to four days after symptoms appear. (Istock)

“It’s becoming clear that this is a very dangerous type of flu,” Dr. Neil Maniar, a professor of public health practice at Northeastern University in Boston, told Fox News Digital. “Certainly, in other parts of the world where this variant has spread, it has caused some serious illness, and we are already seeing an aggressive flu season.”

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“the vaccine “It still provides protection against serious disease caused by the subclass K variant that appears to be circulating,” he added.

Angelica Stabile contributed reporting.