how fast can a flu be contracted?

Question

I got flu (fever, body aches, runny nose, and sore throat) Now all symptoms are gone except for the throat and a dry mouth. But my gf also got the exact same symptoms the next she met me on my first day of flu. She drank from my bottle of water despite me telling her not to.

Main question - Flu spread and surface within less than few hours?
Secondary Question: Why my throat inflammation caused my tongue to be dry as well. Currently only on anti-fever tablets and anti-inflammation for throat tablets, lastly cough syrup.

Answer 1

the various flu viruses out there can last on surfaces for several hours. Drinking from a communal bottle will certainly pass the virus quite easily, but just as easily passed if she touched you or anything near you and then touched her face, that is how most people get the virus. The inflammation and dry mouth go hand in hand and are usually a result of inadequate hydration during an illness. When you are sick you need twice the normal amount of water to maintain hydration or 4 liters. Few people will drink that much....resulting in the drying tissues further inflammation and reduction in immunities leaving you open to secondary or repeat infections. When someone goes to hospital for instance with the flu, the primary treatment is fluids given intraveneously. Drink at least four liters of water daily and you will get better a lot faster.