When does someone stop being contagious?

Question

My sister in law has the flu and I accidently drank out of her cup at a party today. I may be paranoid, but I feel flu like symptoms already. She has been sick for a couple weeks, could she still be contagious?

Answer 1

When is the Flu Contagious?

A person can spread the flu starting one day before he or she feels sick. Adults can continue to pass the flu virus to others for another three to seven days after symptoms start. Children can pass the virus for longer than seven days. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body. Some persons can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons can still spread the virus to others.

So after two weeks, you might not contract the flu anymore if you have the flu shot or if your immune system is not compromised.
As a precaution, I find the daily dosage of vitamin C consumption seems to help to booster up my immune system. As well as adequate rest and sleep. I try to keep warm and avoid ccrowded places.


Aside from the vaccine or anti-viral drugs, there are other ways to protect against flu.


Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.