Knowing when a person who has flu or cold is contagious can help prevent the spread of respiratory illness. People spread the common cold most often through sneezing, coughing, and touching contaminated surfaces. This suggests that people are most contagious once symptoms become obvious, although people might be contagious before symptoms begin to show. The response of the immune system to the virus causes the symptoms of the common cold, rather than the virus itself.
As the symptoms of the cold begin to improve, the risk of spreading the illness also reduces. However, the risk of being contagious is still present. The average cold lasts up to 10 days , so people should expect to be contagious during that period. A large number of different viral strains cause the symptoms of a cold, such as rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and coronaviruses.
These viruses also evolve constantly to adapt to their environment and survive the human immune system. This is why no cure is currently available for the common cold. Flu symptoms also generally last up to 10 days , depending on the individual. A person can expect to be able to spread the flu one day before their symptoms begin and then for up to seven days after becoming ill.
The influenza virus, or flu, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can infect people of all age groups. The severity of an influenza infection can depend on the person. Symptoms can range from mild in some people to life-threatening in certain at-risk groups, such as older adults.
Viruses can spread through a process called viral shedding. When a virus finishes its replication cycle within a cell, it releases new viruses.
These new viruses can then infect more cells and the body can expel them to transmit to other people. These viruses exit the body in a number of ways, such as mixing with the mucus and saliva. These substances then find their way back into the open environment through things such as coughing and sneezing. One study in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal found that children have a longer period of viral shedding before the onset of symptoms when compared to adults.
The study also found children aged 0—5 years had the longest period of viral shedding after symptoms had resolved. Symptoms are the main difference between the flu and a cold. Flu symptoms are more severe than the effects of a cold. They also affect the whole body. In comparison, the common cold typically only causes symptoms in the upper airway. Like other viruses, flu viruses are constantly evolving and changing.
Therefore, the body rarely deals with the same flu virus twice. This can lead to some people contracting the flu almost every year. The most important factor in reducing the spread of viral infections is creating healthful habits during cold and flu season.
Drinking plenty of water, eating a healthful diet, and getting plenty of rest are advised. 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. Try these remedies and OTC products to relieve your symptoms.
Salt water gargles are touted as an effective and easy home remedy for a sore throat. We explain why, plus additional benefits. Can apple cider vinegar be used for colds? We explain the benefits of apple cider vinegar, and what the science says about it treating the common cold. What does research say about whether you should exercise with a cold?
Learn what you should and shouldn't do, and how you can help yourself recover…. When you have a cold, you may have a hard time sleeping well due to congestion, coughing, or a runny nose. Some medications may help you sleep better…. A healthy diet is key to flu prevention and a working immune system.
Check out these easy-to-make drinks that contain the essential nutrients. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Cameron White, M. Am I contagious? When to stay home Treatment What about allergies? Outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers.
Share on Pinterest. When to stay home. Treatment for your flu or cold. Respiratory allergies. Read this next. How to Clear a Stuffy Nose. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Page last reviewed: 13 November Next review due: 13 November Home Common health questions Infections Back to Infections. 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.
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