The flu usually moves from person to person in respiratory droplets from the sneezing and coughing of infected people. Another way an individual may get the flu is by touching items with influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

Infected people are considered contagious 1 day before getting flu symptoms and up to 5 days after the onset of those symptoms. Therefore, the flu can be passed multiple times before you even know it's in your vacinity.