(KUTV) A severe outbreak of the flu is spreading hard and fast across the country.

You may be surprised at where the germs are catching you and just how easy you can get sick.

We touch so many things without even realizing it.

Take a simple trip on the train, buying a ticket, you’re already spreading germs.

The flu virus can spread to others up to 6 feet away, according to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention—and flu germs can remain suspended in the air.

The top three ways to catch the flu:

1. Being near someone who is sick who sneezes, coughs or talks, spreading the infected droplets.

2. Drinking from the same cup or sharing a utensil.

3. Touching a germ-infested surface and then touching your eyes or mouth.

You can pass the virus to someone before you even know you’re sick. A person can be contagious with the flu for up to a day prior to developing symptoms.

To see how easy it is to spread germs, just watch what happens when Glo Germ is sprayed onto an everyday object and a black light is held over it.

Using cleaning products to keep surfaces germ free can minimize the chances of spreading the flu—and it’s important to wash hands thoroughly.

Jessica Benton with Calico Industries,  a company that distributes Glo Germ as a way to teach proper hygiene, said, “Some people sing the A-B-Cs or happy birthday two times, but at least 20 seconds of vigorous washing. I do know when people do wash their hands they may not go in between their fingers, get underneath their fingers. So there's a lot of germs that you can’t - obviously you can't see germs but they do get stuck behind when you don't wash your hands properly."

Doctors say germs can live on surfaces 2-8 hours, but there have been reports of up to 48 hours.

(Copyright 2013 Sinclair Broadcasting Group)
Germs Spread Quicker Than You Might Think