How is the flu virus mainly transmitted?

The flu virus is primarily transmitted between humans, primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. This direct person-to-person transmission is efficient, especially in crowded or enclosed environments. When a healthy individual breathes in these droplets, the virus can easily enter their respiratory system and lead to infection.

While contaminated surfaces can play a role in the transmission of the flu virus, primarily through indirect contact, it is not the main method of spread. Airborne particles do contribute to the transmission, particularly in certain situations, but respiratory droplets are the primary concern in typical flu outbreaks. Animal vectors are not a significant mode of transmission for influenza, as the virus is predominantly spread within human populations rather than from animals to humans in common circumstances associated with seasonal flu epidemics.