What are 5 facts about the flu?
Here are 10 facts about the flu you should know.
- Flu season is between October and May.
- The flu is contagious before symptoms start.
- Flu symptoms can start abruptly.
- It takes up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to work.
- You need a new flu vaccine every year.
- The flu vaccine doesn’t cause the flu.
How long does cold and flu live on surfaces?
In general, although some can be detected on indoor surfaces for up to seven days, they are infectious only for up to 24 hours. Generally, they last longer on hard, nonporous surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel than porous materials like facial tissues.
What caused cold and flu?
Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by influenza viruses only, whereas the common cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses.
Does the flu survive in the cold?
The results from the study suggest that influenza actually survives longer at low humidity and low temperatures. At 43°F with very low humidity, most of the virus was able to survive more than 23 hours, whereas at high humidity and a temperature of 90°F, survival was diminished at even one hour into incubation (3).
How long can the flu live on clothes?
Flu germs live 8 to 12 hours on fabric Studies show that the flu virus can live for only 8 to 12 hours on fabric. Bedding, especially pillowcases, and your clothes may be important hotspots for germs.
What kills flu virus?
Thankfully, killing influenza can be achieved by wiping with simple detergents, diluted bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. If chemicals are not desired, flu also dies in the presence of steam, a fact known for well more than 100 years.
How can you tell the difference between cold and COVID?
Symptom check: Is it COVID-19 or a cold?
| Symptom or sign | COVID-19 | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Usually | Sometimes |
| Diarrhea | Sometimes | Never |
| Nausea or vomiting | Sometimes | Never |
| New loss of taste or smell | Usually (early — often without a runny or stuffy nose) | Sometimes (especially with a stuffy nose) |
Whats the worst day of the flu?
Flu Day 1. Flu symptoms hit pretty rapidly on day one. You may wake up feeling fine, but feel progressively worse as the hours pass.
Is it a cold or the flu?
People often mistake a common cold for the flu because some common-cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat can accompany the flu. Severe body aches, weakness, exhaustion, high fever, and intense chest discomfort are all signs you probably have the flu instead of a cold. Another clue?
What is the flu and how does it affect you?
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. Flu is different from a cold.
Can you die from the flu?
It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
How long do cold and flu germs last on hard surfaces?
Cold and flu germs don’t last long outside the body, so scrubbing every countertop and doorknob to stay healthy might not be worth your while. While there’s a chance some germs could last up to a day or two on hard surfaces, direct contact with an infected person is the much greater risk.