Article from Reuters

Want to avoid the flu? Go wash your hands right now.

Influenza is one of the most easily transmitted diseases, caused by a range of related viruses. It relies on human habits -- most notably the tendency to rub a runny nose.

The virus can live on a plastic or metal surface for hours or even days. When a patient touches a drippy nose and then pushes a button, uses a telephone, [or touches a dirty door knob] the virus sits there, ready to be picked up by the next unwary person.

Simply touch the nose, mouth or even the eye, and you, too, can have the flu.

The virus also can be passed when a patient coughs or sneezes a fine spray of saliva and mucus into the air and an unfortunate passer-by breathes it in. [rest of story]