How Flu Is Spreading & Tips To Prevent It Before It Is Too Late

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Flu is attacking people more aggressively this year and more people are catching the virus because of several simple-to-avoid reasons. Health experts warn the people from neglecting the care tips as flu may take a more severe epidemic form.

Cases of flu are on rise and a research done in Gothenburg, Sweden leads to surprising facts about flu and its fast rise. Nasal swipe of 20,000 people suffering from flu was analyzed and compared with weather data from Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, reports US Newz

The pattern obtained revealed that low humidity and temperature below zero triggers flu and spread of the virus.  A sudden drop in the weather causes the spread of flu, says lead author Nicklas Sundell, a researcher at Sahlgrenska Academy and infectious diseases specialist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, in a press release.  But once the epidemic has been triggered, the virus spreads even if the temperature rises, he adds.

How Flu Spreads? Dry and cold weather is the best breeding environment for the flu virus to flourish. Dry air absorbs moisture from the flying germs and shrinks them into tinier particles, which helps them stay longer in the air and travel long distances. But some common flu viruses like rhinovirus does not follow weather changes for spreading, according to Fox News.

How People Catch the Flu? The first human responsible for the spread of flu virus is the one who has already caught it. Sneezing openly in the air, not washing hands before eating, sharing healthy people's personal items like towels or glass etc. Leaving the body vulnerable to cold especially breathing freezing cold air inflames nasal cavity which is another reason for catching the flu. Healthy people catch the virus from close contact with others who already have the virus

How to Avoid Catching Flu? A warmer climate also witnesses spread of the virus. "Clearly then, the temperature drop is important, but perhaps not the only factor," says Nirav Patel, MD, assistant professor of infectious diseases at Saint Louis University, who was not present in the study. He recommends three things to prevent the flu: washing the hands pretty often, covering the face while sneezing or coughing and receiving a flu shot yearly.