Verified on 04/25/2024 by Alexane Flament, Editor
Each year, in France, seasonal flu affects 2 to 6 million people. It is indeed a virus that is very easily transmitted.
The disease can cause serious complications in elderly and frail people. We tell you everything you need to know about the flu.
We know, the flu is very contagious. Thus, the virus passes from one person to another very easily. And contrary to popular belief, coughing is not the only way to transmit the virus.
The simple act of sneezing or even talking is enough to pollute your environment. In fact, these actions propel thousands of contaminated droplets outward.
These contain hundreds of viruses and can be emitted several meters away. Hence the importance of covering your mouth, with a mask or at least your elbow, when you sneeze or cough.
The contagion period begins one day before symptoms start and can last up to seven days afterwards.
This is why it is better, if you are sick, to stay at home to avoid infecting others.
According to the Pasteur Institute, “a recent study published in PNAS reveals that viral microparticles are transmitted simply… by breathing”.
Transmission can also be done by “ manuportage “. This means that the droplets emitted by the patient can land on different surfaces and survive for up to 24 hours. All you have to do is touch the object in question, a keyboard or a door handle, to get sick.
How long does the flu last?
Fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, runny nose… Flu symptoms generally begin two days after infection.
In healthy people as a general rule, healing takes place within a week. However, some people report persistent fatigue in the weeks that follow. The cough can be severe and last up to two weeks or more.
In elderly or frail people, the flu can become complicated. To prevent the disease, Santé Publique France recommends:
- Limit contact with other people;
- Wear a mask during contact;
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue;
- Blow your nose with single-use tissues;
- Wash your hands regularly.
For people around the sick person, it is best to avoid contact with the person, wash their hands regularly and clean objects touched by the sick person.
Health journalist
April 25, 2024, at 5:10 a.m.
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