How Long Am I Contagious? A Guide of the Common Viruses

How long am I contagious? If this is your question, here is what to know about the common viruses.

During the cold winter months, we all are very conscious about protecting ourselves from cold and flu. COVID-19 has proven to be a major blow and led most of us to think how long are we contagious after catching a cold, flu, cough, or bronchitis?

In this article, we are going to discuss exactly that so you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Without further ado, let’s jump straight into the guide for common viruses.

Common Cold

Common cold refers to the viral infection of the nose and upper respiratory tract. It is super annoying, irritating but is typically quite harmless. There are many different kinds of viruses that can lead to a common cold.

Most healthy adults get at least two to three colds per year. Infants and children are more prone to getting colds. Most people recover from a common cold in about 10 days’ time frame. If you smoke, symptoms might last longer. Most people don’t need any medical attention. However, if symptoms start to get progressively worse, see your doctor.

• • • Most Contagious? It is most contagious within the first 48-72 hours
    • How Long Could You Be Contagious? Most people are contagious for up to 2 weeks after contracting a cold.
    • How does It Spread? Hand contact and droplets in the air are two prime ways of spreading of the common cold.

How Can You Avoid Infecting Others?

• • • Always cough/sneeze into your elbows instead of your hands.
    • Try to stay by yourself until your symptoms improve.
    • Keep your hands washed and sanitized at all times.

Flu

Flu aka Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your nose, throat, and lungs, essentially your respiratory system. Most people don’t have to take any medications for it. However, sometimes it can lead to serious complications.

If you have flu, you might experience at least one or all of these symptoms; fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, headaches, fatigue, and vomiting, and diarrhea (a rare symptom). Most of the people who encounter flu will recover in less than 2 weeks.

• • • Most Contagious? You will be most contagious within the first 48 hours.
    • How Long Could You Be Contagious? You can be contagious for up to 10 days after encountering the flu.
    • How Does It Spread? Coughing/sneezing are the primary ways how flu spreads.

How Can You Avoid Infecting Others?

• • • Stay on top of your hygiene and keep yourself very clean at all times.
    • Cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands.
    • Try to stay out of social gatherings until your symptoms improve.
    • Keep your hands clean at all times and use a sanitizer.

Sore Throat/Strep

Strep throat is a bacterial infection. As evident from the name, it makes your throat feel sore and scratchy. It is most common in children but can affect people of all ages. Some of the common symptoms include throat pain, trouble swallowing, swollen and tender lymph nodes, red and swollen tonsils.

• • • Most Contagious? Sore throat is most contagious within the first 48-72 hours.
    • How Long Could You Be Contagious? If left untreated, you can be contagious for at least two to three weeks. If you have started taking antibiotics, you can be contagious for 24 to 48 hours after you start the treatment.
    • How Does It Spread? It spreads through nasal mucus/discharge and saliva.

How Can You Avoid Infecting Others?

• • • Do not come in close contact with others.
    • Do not share your utensils and drinks with others.
    • Keep your hands clean at all times and use a sanitizer often.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes which are responsible for carrying air to/from the lungs. People dealing with bronchitis end up with thickened mucus. It can either be acute or chronic which results in constant irritation and inflammation of the lining.

Acute bronchitis is commonly known as breast cold. It typically lasts for up to 10 days. Chronic bronchitis requires medical attention.

• • • Most Contagious? You are most contagious within 48 to 72 hours of getting the surgery.
    • How Long Could You Be Contagious? You could be contagious for up to 3 weeks.
    • How Does It Spread? It spreads through droplets in the air and via contaminated surfaces.

How Can You Avoid Infecting Others?

• • • Keep your hands clean and sanitized at all times.
    • Get yourself tested for flu.
    • Discard the tissues immediately after use.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that will inflame your air sacs in either one or both lungs. Some of the common problems include cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. It can range from mild to life-threatening.

• • • Most Contagious? You are most contagious within the first 48-72 hours.
    • How Long Could You Be Contagious? You could be contagious for up to three weeks.
    • How does It Spread? It primarily spreads through coughing or sneezing if you are within 6 ft. distance of an individual.

How Can You Avoid Infecting Others?

• • • Wash your hands and keep them sanitized.
    • Discard the tissues immediately after use.
    • Keep your environment clean and disinfect the services.
    • Avoid coming in close contact with others.

Stomach Virus

Viral gastroenteritis aka Stomach Virus is an intestinal infection that can be identified by the following symptoms; watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. Most people get the infection through an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water.

• • • Most Contagious? You will be most contagious within the first 24-48 hours.
    • How Long Could You be Contagious? It varies from person to person. It is good to avoid social gatherings for 48-72 hours once your symptoms start to resolve.
    • How does It Spread? It spreads through food, utensils, and contaminated surfaces.

How Can You Avoid Infecting Others?

• • • Maintain hand hygiene by washing and sanitizing them regularly.
    • Keep your environment clean.
    • Do not come in close contact with others and avoid sharing your food and utensils.

Final Takeaway

We hope you found the information presented in this article helpful. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe from these viruses. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us.

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