Flu season appears to be in full swing already, with swine flu breakouts occurring in secondary schools and colleges. Worse still is the fact that the H1N1 may be contagious long after the fever subsides, according to the Associated Press.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has offered many tips to help prevent the spread of the virus. But just how long do we need to quarantine ourselves if we come down with the dreaded flu?

How Long Are You Contagious?

At first, experts were advising the general public to stay home until the fever had broken. However, new evidence suggests that the germs can linger a bit longer. In fact, the latest research reported in this article suggests that the swine flu may continue to be spread as long as a cough is in effect. This means that instead of a two-day period where you might be contagious, it might go as long as a week.

At this point, the CDC has not issued updated guidelines on how long to stay home if you are ill. The mildness and the widespread nature of the illness suggest that trying to confine the sick for longer may not be worth the lost work and school time. However, it is wise to keep the potential for spreading the virus in mind, particularly with other family members in the home of an infected person.

How Else Can You Prevent H1N1?

The CDC does offer basic guidelines on their website for stopping the spread of all types of germs during the cold and flu season. These guidelines include:

· Covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze – If possible, do your business into a clean tissue and then throw the tissue away promptly.

· Washing your hands often – Sing the “Happy Birthday” song while you wash to ensure you scrub your hands long enough.

· Using hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available – When using the gel sanitizer, make sure you rub your hands together until they are dry.

· Sanitize germ-infested items like doorknobs, telephone receivers and desks often.

· Teach your children to use the same techniques without fail to stop the spread of germs in schools and children’s activities.

It is also important to get vaccinations for the seasonal flu, which are already available at most pharmacies and doctor’s offices.

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