Everyone around you is sick? These are the mistakes that increase your risk of infection

When a family member has the flu or COVID-19, many fear infection is inevitable. Experts explain that the risk depends on the viral load you are exposed to, and that taking simple precautions at home can significantly reduce the chances of infection.

When a family member has the flu, COVID-19, or another respiratory virus, many fear infection is inevitable. Infectious disease experts explain that the risk and severity of illness depend on the amount of virus you are exposed to, a concept known as 'viral load'. High exposure, such as a direct sneeze to the face, increases the risk of infection and severe illness. In contrast, touching a surface with a small number of viral particles constitutes low-load exposure. Respiratory viruses spread through droplet spray released by coughing, sneezing, talking, or singing, and can survive on surfaces. To reduce viral load at home, experts recommend sleeping in separate rooms, ventilating the home, wearing masks, and frequent hand washing. They emphasize that none of these strategies is as effective as getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.