20 Tips To Prevent, Treat Colds and Flu
Stay at least three feet away from anyone who's coughing or sneezing.
The flu virus is a parasite that hangs around in respiratory secretions that travel through the air in small droplets; when projected by a cough or sneeze, they can fly about three feet before gravity takes over, Dr. Adalja says. A flu patient who's actively projecting these droplets by coughing or sneezing can contaminate the air you breathe. There's no practical way to assess whether someone has a benign nose tickle, a cold, or the flu, so it's best to keep your distance from anyone with suspicious symptoms.
