We hear or read about how many more people are suffering from influenza each day. Unfortunately death tolls from the flu are on the rise as well. Schools are being shut down due to the flu and officials are advising people to keep out of contact with anyone who has the flu or flu like systems.
Easier said than done because now studies are showing that influenza “the Flu” be spread just by breathing. Researchers have found that anyone experiencing the flu can transmit the infectious virus to another just by exhaling.
Cleaning and sanitizing your home, washing your hands, and avoiding people who may have or show flu like symptoms like coughing will still help but will not provide enough protection from getting the flu.
Help Educate Others & Spread The Word
We’re getting reports that this flu season is getting really bad. Consider sharing this report to help protect yourself and loved ones from this epidemic by clicking on your favorite social network below.
Lack of human data on influenza virus aerosol shedding fuels debate over the importance of airborne transmission. We provide overwhelming evidence that humans generate infectious aerosols and quantitative data to improve mathematical models of transmission and public health interventions. We show that sneezing is rare and not important for—and that coughing is not required for—influenza virus aerosolization. Our findings, that upper and lower airway infection are independent and that fine-particle exhaled aerosols reflect infection in the lung, opened a pathway for a deeper understanding of the human biology of influenza infection and transmission. Our observation of an association between repeated vaccination and increased viral aerosol generation demonstrated the power of our method, but needs confirmation. pnas.com
Calling In Sick That Will Actually Help Others?
Since studies have shown that influenza can be spread just by breathing it is recommended that anyone who is experiencing flu like symptoms to stay home to avoid the risk of spreading the virus to others in the work place. This is even more important when people are experiencing the virus in it’s early stages. This goes for children as well.
“People with flu generate infectious aerosols even when they are not coughing, and especially during the first days of illness,” he said. “So when someone is coming down with influenza, they should go home and not remain in the workplace and infect others.” mercurynews.com
Researchers have also stated other ways to prevent the flu such as flu shots, sterilizing areas of home and workplace, keeping from being in contact with someone experiencing flu like symptoms may not be 100% effective, taken these steps WILL help provide protection for you and your family from getting the flu.
What are your thoughts? Are you as freightened as I am by hearing this? Please comment below…