All flu viruses spread easily from person to person through droplets from coughing and sneezing by ill people. Because the virus is also able to temporarily survive outside the body, transmission can also occur from freshly contaminated hands, objects and surfaces such as handkerchiefs, doorknobs and taps.

Contagious from early on
Although it is thought that infected people may be able to spread influenza just before they start feeling sick, it is when a person has symptoms that they are most infectious. Young children, severely ill people, and those who have weakened immune systems may infect others for longer. Some people become infected but never develop recognisable symptoms and yet they may also transmit infections. That is why it is almost impossible to fully control the spread of influenza.

Daily preventive habits are, for this reason, one of the most important actions for stopping the spread of the flu. The three simple rules of prevention are:

• If you are sick with what may be flu you should go home.
• Hands should be washed frequently and properly.
• If you have a cold, use tissues or handkerchiefs and dispose of them properly and wash your hands more frequently.

The flu fighters: vaccination
Flu vaccination is the most effective way of protecting yourself. Based on the viruses seen in the previous season, the vaccine is made available in advance of the flu season, containing three components (trivalent vaccine) selected to protect against the main groups of influenza viruses. The recommended composition in the 2011/12 flu vaccine in our northern hemisphere is defined annually by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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