It May Be Easier To Catch The Flu Than You Think

NEW YORK, NY — If you're already panicking about the flu season, you may want to sit down for this: According to a new study, it may be even easier to spread the influenza virus than we thought.

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, led by environmental health professor Donald Milton, found that people infected with the flu can spread the virus in the air just by breathing — even if they don't cough or sneeze.

The study examined 142 people confirmed to have the flu and tested their coughs, sneezes, speaking and normal breathing for signs of the virus. It was published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"People with flu generate infectious aerosols (tiny droplets that stay suspended in the air for a long time) even when they are not coughing, and especially during the first days of illness," Dr. Milton said. "So when someone is coming down with influenza, they should go home and not remain in the workplace and infect others."

Avoiding work or school has always been standard advice for people who catch the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for example, says that people who get the flu should "limit contact with others as much as possible." It also warns that you should, "Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities."

But this research underscores how important these steps can be to reduce the risk of spreading the disease. Even if you do your best to not cough or sneeze around people, you can't help but breathe.

And remember: The flu is not just an inconvenience. The CDC has reported that at least 20 children have died so far because of the flu this season. The flu is estimated to cause thousands of deaths in the United States each year.

The University of Maryland researchers found that normal breathing appeared to spread as much of the flu virus as sneezing does. However, additional research would likely be necessary to confirm these findings.

Sheryl Ehrman, a former professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at San José State University, agreed the study emphasized the importance of staying home when you're sick.

"The study findings suggest that keeping surfaces clean, washing our hands all the time, and avoiding people who are coughing does not provide complete protection from getting the flu," Ehrman said. "Staying home and out of public spaces could make a difference in the spread of the influenza virus."

The CDC says that everyone six months or older should get vaccinated against the flu to reduce their risk.

If you do fall seriously ill, a doctor may choose to prescribe you antiviral drugs that can reduce the length of the illness and forestall complications like pneumonia, the CDC says.

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