The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates the functions of our internal organs (the viscera) such as the heart, stomach and intestines.
The flu is contagious a day before and five days to a week after its onset. Young children, people over 65, those with compromised immune systems, and people with a terminal illness are at risk of death from the flu.
Contagious Period An adult infected with influenza may be contagious from one day before symptoms start to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may continue to be contagious for longer than 7 days. Staying home until your contagious period has likely passed will help you avoid passing the flu on to other people. It will also give your body time to recover and protect you against developing flu complications or picking up another virus and getting sick again.