A recent study shows that many patients infected with influenza A (H1N1) may remain contagious with the influenza virus for a week or longer after first experiencing flu symptoms.

　　Gaston De Serres, a researcher at the Quebec Public Health Institute in Canada, presented his research report that day at a microbiology conference.

　　Deseres said, “This study shows that your infectiousness may last longer than just one or two days—you could potentially transmit the influenza virus for about a week.”

　　The report suggests that, compared to fever, cough may be a better indicator for determining whether an influenza patient is contagious.

　　According to the Associated Press, health officials have previously advised flu patients to avoid contact with others for one day after their fever symptoms have subsided. However, this latest study suggests that they may need to remain cautious for a longer period—especially when interacting with family members.

　　Nancy Cox, an official from the influenza division of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that given the widespread transmission of the H1N1 influenza virus at present, isolating patients appears to have little effect in preventing the virus from spreading.

　　“We’ve tried to take all these factors into account in the guidelines,” she said, “but in reality, it’s impossible to prevent the virus from spreading to places like schools and universities.”