![](https://healthygeorge.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/HG-Cold-Feat-min-1000x600.jpg)
When is Your Common Cold Most Contagious?
![](https://healthygeorge.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/HG-Cold-Feat-min-1000x600.jpg)
It’s not called common cold for nothing. This pesky sickness is caused by different types of viruses and can spread around easily. If you’re around someone who’s got a cold either in your home or at the office, there is a pretty good chance that you’re going to catch the bug in the following days—especially if you’re immune system is down. What’s worse is that it’s quite possible to catch a cold more than once in a season with the variety of bacteria that can cause it.
You can get the virus through small particles in the air that can enter your body through your nose, eyes, and mouth. Transmission can either be through direct contact with a sick person or a contaminated object. The level of contagiousness and the transmission can vary when it comes to other illnesses like flu or other bacterial infections.
Fortunately, common colds can be treated easily. Over-the-counter medicines are readily available whenever you start to feel under the weather and isolating yourself from others can help stop it from spreading. However, with its ubiquitous nature, how will you know that it’s already okay to be in contact with others?
![](https://healthygeorge.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/HG-Cold-2.jpg)
Common colds can be easily spread
When is It Contagious?
It is widely known that a tell-tale sign that you’re sick is when symptoms start showing up. For common colds, it can include runny or stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, mild body aches, low fever, and general malaise.
So, most people assume that the worse your symptoms get, the more infectious you are. However, symptoms are signs that your body is already fighting the virus. Coughing helps get rid of the mucus that contains the virus.
When the common cold virus enters your body, it would take 72 hours for your immune system to mount a response. During this time, the virus is actively multiplying. So, it is possible to spread the bug before symptoms. However, this isn’t proven.
![](https://healthygeorge.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/HG-Cold-1.jpg)
Some of the usual symptoms of common cold are coughing, sneezing, and runny or stuffy nose
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that a common cold usually lasts around 7 to 10 days. Unless there are complications, the symptoms will subside over time. So, most people who have had a cold may be less contagious as time passes by.
According to Dr. Tania Elliott, NYU Langone’s clinical instructor of medicine and infectious disease, sick people are most contagious upon contracting the virus. The body will already be able to fight after the incubation period, so there will be fewer viruses circulating in your system.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, most people are infectious for about a week. After that, it is safe to assume that you already have a lower risk of spreading the bug around.
However, Dr. Elliott stated that feeling better can be subjective. It is recommended to look out for lingering symptoms if you’re worried about being contagious. Dr. Elliott says that ache, fever, and fatigue may mean that your body is still battling the virus, so it is assumed that infecting someone else is still a possibility. On the other hand, just a light cough or stuffy nose may mean that you’re not that contagious.
![](https://healthygeorge.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/HG-Cold-3-min.jpg)
Sick people are most contagious a day or so before the onset of symptoms
Possibility of Being Contagious After Symptoms Subside
Although you might be feeling better, a low-level virus may remain in your system. Usually, it’s not strong enough to infect healthy people. However, it may compromise those who have weaker immune systems like babies, the elderly, and those affected with illnesses that weaken the immune system.
Just to be safe, avoid being in close contact with them until you’ve been symptom-free for around 1 to 2 weeks. Preventive measures like good hand hygiene and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing are also advisable—even when you’re not sick.
More in Well-Being
-
`
6 Unique Approaches to Finding Meaning in Life
Have you ever gazed at a starry sky and pondered the vastness of existence, wondering what your place is in it...
March 5, 2024 -
`
Want to Look Like a Royal For a Week? Try These Creative Budget-Friendly Tips
Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about strolling through the halls of a grand palace, donning an outfit that screams elegance,...
February 26, 2024 -
`
Famous Celebrities Who Admitted to Mental Health & Personal Struggles
In a world where fame often seems like the ultimate achievement, the glitz and glamour often overshadow the personal struggles many...
February 19, 2024 -
`
Mastering Medicare – 5 Expert Tips for Maximum Benefit
Are you ready to harness the full potential of your Medicare benefits? From managing your prescriptions to staying on top of...
February 12, 2024 -
`
Struggling With Bipolar Disorder? Lifestyle Changes You Should Make for Stability
Introduction: The Rollercoaster of Bipolar Disorder Living with bipolar disorder is akin to riding an emotional rollercoaster. One moment, you’re soaring...
February 7, 2024 -
`
Swipe Right…or Left? 3 Crucial Questions Before Your Next Beauty Haul
Remember that thrill of unboxing a shiny new beauty product? The promise of glowing skin, luscious locks, or eyes that sparkle...
February 3, 2024 -
`
Tammy Slaton of 1000-Lb. Sisters Opens Up About Her Lesbian Journey After Losing Husband
In a world where authenticity often takes a backseat, Tammy Slaton, the spirited personality from “1000-Lb. Sisters,” brings a refreshing dose...
January 27, 2024 -
`
From Registration to Receiving: How to Enroll in Toys for Tots
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but for families facing financial challenges, ensuring that their children experience...
January 16, 2024 -
`
How to Practice Self-Care? 5 Tried & Trusted Tips
Self-care is a buzzword that has been tossed around a lot lately, but what does it really mean? At its core,...
January 9, 2024
You must be logged in to post a comment Login