2023-10-24 14:43:00
Cold: How long am I contagious?
Infectious even without symptoms
For a long time it was believed that colds were only contagious when symptoms became noticeable. However, we now know that flu infections are already contagious even if no symptoms have yet broken out. Even people who do not yet know or notice that they have been infected with cold viruses are already contagious. The incubation period is therefore already considered the infection period. If you notice one or more of the following symptoms, you are probably still contagious and should be particularly careful in contact with those around you to avoid passing on the infection.
Most contagious with the first symptoms
As soon as the first typical cold symptoms appear, you are most contagious. In the first two to three days following the onset of symptoms, the viruses suddenly multiplied in the body. Now signs such as coughing, sneezing and heavy nasal discharge appear. These are the best ways for the viruses to spread, which cling to aerosols and spread when sneezing, coughing or through contact infections. So if you have a runny nose and a scratchy throat, you should avoid contact, wash your hands regularly and definitely keep your distance, because this is when you are at your most contagious.
Contagious for regarding a week
Once the strongest symptoms have subsided following a few days, the viral load in your body also drops. Now your immune system has taken control and is effectively fighting the proliferation of viral invaders. You are now starting to feel better and better. This encourages many people to take an active part in public life once more. But be careful and continue to protect those around you, because you are still contagious. Depending on your condition and immune system, you may still be contagious even a week later. If possible, stay at home or work from home. Pay particular attention to hygiene and ventilate rooms regularly to reduce the viral load in the air.
Also interesting: The best tips to effectively shorten colds > >
Tips to avoid infecting those around you
Of course, very few people can afford to stay in isolation at home with a cold that is almost completely cured because they may still be contagious. Work, family, shopping and social obligations cannot simply be paused.
Fortunately, there are some simple tips and behavior that you can use to take part in public life once more without running the risk of infecting those around you with cold viruses.
Wear a mask on public transport: During peak hours, public transport is completely overcrowded everywhere. The risk of infection is particularly high in poorly ventilated buses and trains where people stand close together. Simply wear a surgical mask here, or better yet an FFP2 mask. This significantly reduces the aerosols you release into the environment.
Disinfect hands: Before you touch objects in the office or at home that people around you also use, disinfect your hands. Washing your hands regularly is also important to prevent you from passing on pathogens through contact with grease.
Avoid crowds: Unless you have fully recovered or are still feeling sick, avoid crowds. Whenever possible, you should switch to private transport such as your bicycle or e-bike. You should also be considerate of those around you when using elevators. Ride alone in elevators and do not squeeze into overcrowded elevators.
Am I contagious longer with the flu than with a cold?
As a rule, we are contagious longer with the flu than with a cold. Flu viruses tend to be more aggressive and have higher infectivity than the viruses that cause colds. This allows them to spread more easily and survive longer in the body. In addition, the amount of viruses in the body (viral load) can be higher with the flu than with a cold. A higher viral load means a larger amount of viruses being excreted, increasing the risk of infection.
In addition, flu usually causes more severe symptoms than a cold. Coughing, sneezing and the release of droplets containing the virus can continue throughout the duration of the illness, increasing the risk of infection.
Also interesting: Get rid of a cold quickly: How to fight it in one day >>
1698171995
#Cold #contagious #long
