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How is influenza transmitted?

Feb 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is generally transmitted through droplet transmission, direct contact, indirect contact, airborne transmission, and mother-to-child transmission. Influenza viruses exist in the respiratory secretions of patients. When individuals with the flu cough, sneeze, or speak, they release virus-containing droplets into the air.

　　Influenza refers to the flu. Under normal circumstances, influenza mainly spreads through droplet transmission, direct contact transmission, indirect contact transmission, airborne transmission, and mother-to-child transmission. The specific analysis is as follows:

　　1. Droplet transmission

　　Influenza viruses exist in the respiratory secretions of patients. When individuals with influenza cough, sneeze, or speak, they release virus-containing droplets into the air. Inhaling these droplets may lead to infection.

　　2. Direct contact transmission

　　Close contact behaviors such as handshaking, hugging, or kissing between individuals with influenza and healthy people may allow the healthy individuals to come into contact with influenza viruses on the patient's skin or mucous membranes, leading to infection.

　　3. Indirect contact transmission

　　Influenza viruses can survive on object surfaces for a period of time. Healthy individuals touching objects contaminated by influenza patients, such as towels, tableware, toys, etc., may allow the virus to spread to their bodies through contact.

　　4. Airborne transmission

　　In enclosed spaces with poor air circulation, viruses can easily remain suspended in the air and spread to others. Additionally, if air conditioners or fresh air systems are not filtered or cleaned properly, they may also become media for the spread of influenza viruses.

　　5. Mother-to-child transmission

　　If a pregnant mother is infected with influenza, the influenza virus may cross the placental barrier and directly infect the fetus during pregnancy; during delivery, the fetus passes through the birth canal and comes into contact with large amounts of virus-containing secretions and blood in the mother's birth canal, increasing the likelihood of infection.

　　In preventing influenza, comprehensive measures are necessary, such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, maintaining indoor air circulation, and avoiding contact with individuals who have influenza, to reduce the risk of infection.

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