Studies have shown that the influenza virus can survive on surfaces -- and infect a person -- for up to eight hours. Individuals infected with seasonal and H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from one day before getting sick to five to seven days after. The period can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the H1N1 virus.

Find tips to protect yourself from the flu.