The United States is currently experiencing flu season, with numerous states reporting “moderate to very high levels” of flu-like illnesses, as noted by the CDC.
The dominant strain this year is influenza A (H3N2), specifically the subclade K variant. Health authorities are reminding everyone about the significance of getting vaccinated, staying home when unwell, and practicing good hand hygiene.
If you’ve encountered the flu or have been in close contact with someone who has, it’s important to understand how the virus spreads.
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“Typically, people are contagious for about five to seven days after showing flu symptoms,” explained Dr. Samantha Picking, a senior immunization director at Walgreens in Massachusetts. “Yet, some groups can remain contagious for extended periods—like young children and individuals with compromised immune systems; they might spread the virus for over a week, sometimes up to two weeks.”
Dr. Picking also debunked the myth that people aren’t contagious until they exhibit symptoms. “The flu is most contagious during the first three to four days after symptoms emerge,” she stated. “You could even start spreading the virus a day before feeling sick and continue to be contagious for a week or more.”
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The incubation period—the time taken from infection to showing symptoms—is on average two days, although it can be anywhere from one to four days. Even those with mild symptoms can transmit the virus to others.
For those feeling unwell or who have recently been in contact with someone infected, Dr. Picking recommends minimizing close interactions to prevent further spread.
New York state has reported a record number of flu cases, prompting health officials to issue warnings.
“To keep everyone safe and help contain the virus, please stay home without resorting to fever-reducing medications until you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours,” she advised. “For most healthy adults, this generally means five to seven days after symptoms start.”
Additionally, she mentioned that it’s a good idea to take extra precautions, like wearing masks, for several days once individuals resume normal activities.
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Dr. Picking also suggested that if you’re unsure about whether you’re fit to go out, it’s wise to trust your instincts and consult a healthcare professional. If your symptoms aren’t getting better or you’re still feeling off, it’s best to stay home and maintain thorough hand hygiene.
Notably, young children and those with weakened immune systems can be contagious for a prolonged period, sometimes even up to 14 days.
“Please stay home without using fever-reducing medications until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.”
Dr. Picking mentioned that a cough may linger for weeks after other symptoms have faded. “While a cough doesn’t necessarily indicate ongoing contagion, it’s courteous to wear a mask and follow proper cough etiquette around others,” she recommended.
Some antiviral medications can, if taken early on, reduce the duration of flu infection. “These treatments work best if started within two days of symptom onset,” she noted. Anyone curious about these options should discuss with their healthcare provider or pharmacist for tailored advice.
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Typical flu symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, coughs, sore throats, and runny noses.
The subclade K variant has been linked to a surge in infections globally, leading to more severe symptoms and increased transmission rates.
Dr. Neil Mania, a public health professor at Northeastern University in Boston, previously commented on the severity of this variant: “It’s evident that this strain is causing significant illness. In various regions where this variant circulates, we are observing severe cases, marking the onset of a flu epidemic.”
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He also emphasized that vaccines offer protection against serious illness caused by prevalent subclade K variants.
