How long does it take to get infected after sharing a room with someone who has H1N1 flu?
Disease description:
A colleague has contracted influenza A, and we've been sharing the same office for several days. I'm really worried now and would like to know how long it generally takes to get infected after being in the same room as someone with influenza A. What should I do to prevent infection?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ren Yi
Sharing a room with someone who has influenza A (H1N1) doesn't necessarily mean you will become infected, but it may increase the risk of infection. The exact time of transmission after contact cannot be completely determined, so it is recommended to take appropriate protective measures.
Influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as swine flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza A virus. Its main routes of transmission include droplet transmission and contact transmission. The influenza virus can survive for a period of time in the air and is present in large quantities in droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The virus is highly contagious. Without protective measures, close contact with someone who has influenza A, especially face-to-face conversation, sharing eating utensils or personal items, and spending prolonged periods together in an enclosed space, may increase the risk of infection.
The more influenza A virus particles you are exposed to, the higher your risk of infection. If the viral load is low, it may not be sufficient to cause illness. Individual immune status significantly affects the risk of infection. People with weaker immune systems are more susceptible to infection and may experience more severe symptoms.
When sharing a room with someone who has influenza A, it is advisable to wear a mask as much as possible, maintain social distancing, and avoid direct contact with the patient's respiratory secretions or objects contaminated by the virus. Pay attention to proper nutrition, avoid overexertion, refrain from consuming spicy or irritating foods, drink plenty of water, rest adequately, and strengthen your own resistance.
