All three virus types are spread in the same way: they leave an infected person’s body in droplets whenever that person coughs, sneezes, or puts their mouth on another object. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that a person with the flu can spread the virus to others up to six feet away. If you are in close contact with an infected person, you may end up inhaling infected droplets immediately. However, you can also pick up the virus later from touching an infected object (such as a door handle or a pencil) and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.