Sutton is referring to are just typical cold symptoms: sore throat , runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and body aches. Once those cold symptoms show up, they can last anywhere from a few days to up to two weeks, per MedlinePlus—and in the majority of cases, a cold is most often not contagious after the first week.
But that's not always a hard-and-fast rule; as long as you're still coughing or showing symptoms of any kind, you may still be contagious. Sutton says.
And in rare cases, Dr. Sutton says, you can still be infectious even after symptoms resolve, due to something called viral shedding, or when a virus replicates in the body and makes its way out into the environment. Basically, your best bet for protecting yourself and others during flu season: Continue taking the necessary preventative measures like hand washing and physically distancing yourself from sick people.
To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter. Here's What Experts Say. How long is someone infectious after a viral infection? The infectious period often begins before you start to feel unwell or notice a rash. Bronchitis The length of time that bronchitis is infectious varies, depending on its cause. Chickenpox Chickenpox is infectious from 2 days before the spots appear to until they have crusted over, usually 5 days after they first appeared.
Common cold The common cold is infectious from a few days before your symptoms appear until all of the symptoms are gone. Flu Flu is usually most infectious from the day your symptoms start and for a further 3 to 7 days.
Children and people with lowered immune systems may be infectious for a few days longer. Glandular fever Glandular fever isn't particularly contagious and can usually only be spread through direct contact with saliva, which is why it's sometimes called "the kissing disease". There's no reason not to continue to go to school or work if you feel well enough. Measles Symptoms of measles appear around 10 days after you become infected. Measles is most infectious after the first symptoms appear and before the rash develops.
First symptoms of measles include: a high temperature red eyes cold-like symptoms — such as a runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids and sneezing Around 2 to 4 days later, a red-brown spotty rash develops that normally fades after about a week. Mumps Mumps causes your salivary glands to swell.
Also, call your doctor right away if you have any of the more serious flu symptoms, such as trouble breathing or dizziness. Common colds are caused by many different viruses. These viruses spread through the air, just like influenza. Treat your cold by taking it easy. Drink water and other non-caffeinated fluids and get as much rest as you can.
You can also take an OTC cold remedy. Some of these drugs come in multi-symptom cold, cough, fever varieties. Decongestant nasal sprays relieve congestion. However, if you use a certain type for more than three days, it could give you a rebound stuffed nose. Some of these drugs can also cause an increase in blood pressure or a rapid heartbeat. If you have high blood pressure , an irregular heart rhythm , or heart disease , talk to your doctor before you use a decongestant.
Antihistamines can also help clear up a stuffy nose, but older ones such as diphenhydramine Benadryl can make you sleepy. Colds are usually mild, but they can sometimes lead to complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Shop for nasal decongestant sprays. Your sneezing, sniffling nose, and watery eyes might not be contagious at all.
If they happen at certain times of the year like spring and they stick around for a few weeks or months, you could have allergies. Allergies can be triggered by irritants in your environment such as:. Shop for antihistamines. Most respiratory infections clear up within a few days. Stay home until you feel better. Also, hold off on returning to work if your treatments are causing side effects such as excessive drowsiness.
You might have a bacterial infection that needs treatment with an antibiotic. Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies.
Steam inhalers are used as personal saunas for skin care or supporting respiratory health. We created a list of steam inhalers to suit your needs. You may have heard that you can sweat out a cold, but is this an effective remedy? Learn more here. Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home.
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