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Being Contagious

A person who has the flu can pass on the virus before they even feel
sick. Once they feel sick, they remain contagious for several days.
Most people begin to show symptoms of the flu within two days of
coming into contact with the virus. They then become contagious
within three to four days of becoming sick. However,

some people may be contagious just one day after
catching the flu, before they even begin to
show symptoms of the illness.

Washing hands in warm, soapy water
for 20 seconds is one of the most
effective ways to stop the flu virus
from spreading. It is especially

important to wash hands
before eating food or touching
the eyes, nose, or mouth because

these are routes that viruses can
take into a person’s body.

Regular
handwashing is
important not only to keep
from getting the flu but also
to prevent passing it to
other people.
“

“When you wash your hands, you can prevent...1 in 5 respiratory
infections such as a cold or flu.”

” 9
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)