Colds, Covid and Flu: How Long am I Contagious

Reviewed: August 20th, 2024

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When it comes to staying healthy, understanding the differences between colds, COVID-19, and influenza can help you navigate through cold and flu season with confidence. In this article, we’ll break down what each of these common illnesses is, how they spread, what symptoms to watch for, how long you might be contagious, and how you can prevent their spread. By learning these key details, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself and those around you. So let’s dive in and make sense of these conditions together, using straightforward information to help you stay informed and healthy.

The Common Cold

What is the Common Cold?

The common cold is a viral infection that mainly affects your nose and throat, which are part of your upper respiratory tract. It’s usually caused by a variety of viruses, with the rhinovirus being the most frequent offender. These viruses spread easily through the air and by touching surfaces that have been contaminated. Although the cold can be quite a nuisance, the good news is that it typically goes away on its own without needing special treatment within 7 to 10 days. Let’s break down how it spreads and what you can expect, so you can feel more in control when this familiar illness comes around.

How Is the Common Cold Spread?

The common cold is a viral infection that mainly targets your nose and throat. It’s mostly caused by rhinoviruses, which are around all year but are even more common in the fall and spring. Other viruses, like those which cause the flu, coronaviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can also lead to colds. Understanding how the cold spreads can help you take steps to protect yourself and others like using disinfecting wipes on surfaces, wearing masks to cover the droplets from a sick person, and frequent handwashing to avoid spreading the viruses.

How colds usually spread:

Aerosolized droplets: When someone with a cold coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the virus get into the air and can be inhaled by others.
Direct contact: The virus can be spread through direct contact with oral or nasal secretions from an infected person.
Touching contaminated surfaces: If you touch surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touch your face, you can pick up the virus.

By knowing these ways the cold spreads, you can take simple steps to avoid getting sick or passing it on.

[READ: The Benefits of Rei-Shi Mushrooms]

What are the Symptoms of the Common Cold?

When you catch a common cold, it can really knock you off your game. Here’s what you might experience:

Nasal congestion: This happens when your nose might feel stuffy.
Runny nose: You could be dealing with a constant drip.
Sneezing: It often comes in frequent bursts.
Sore throat: That scratchy feeling can be pretty uncomfortable.
Hoarseness: It comes when your voice sounds raspy.

Less frequently, you might also notice:

Watery eyes: You might notice that your eyes constantly feel wet even when you close your eyes.
Ear pain: This can happen, though it’s not as common.

As the cold progresses, a cough may develop, and you might feel:

General discomfort: When you are just feeling off.
Muscle aches: Your body could feel sore, almost as if you had just done a hard workout at the gym.

Most cold symptoms last up to 14 days, but sometimes they can hang around a bit longer. Understanding these signs can help you figure out if you’ve got a cold and how to handle it better. Regular treatment is rest, hydration, certain vitamins, and over-the-counter medications for pain and discomfort..

How Long is a Cold Contagious?

Figuring out how long you’re contagious with a common cold can help you keep the virus from spreading to others. You are most contagious during the first 2 to 3 days of having symptoms, which is when the virus is most active in your body. After this initial period, the risk of spreading the virus reduces, although symptoms like a runny nose or cough might linger for a week or more. Keeping track of when your symptoms begin can help you manage your contagious period and take steps to protect others.

In children: Symptoms can last up to 14 days. Most kids start to feel better in the second week, and the cold usually runs its course on its own.

In adults: Symptoms typically clear up within a week, and the cold usually lasts less than 10 days. You’ll likely notice improvement during the second week.

So, if you or your little ones catch a cold, don’t worry too much. It might be a bit of a hassle, but it’s usually short-lived and will improve with time. Understanding this can help you manage the situation better and take steps to prevent spreading it to others.

[READ: The Benefits of Ashwagandha]

Preventing the Spread of the Common Cold

Keeping the common cold at bay is all about practicing a few simple habits. Here’s what you can do to stay healthy and protect those around you:

Handwashing: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water. This helps remove germs and prevents them from spreading.
Cough Hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. This helps catch those germs before they can spread through the air.
Disinfecting: Clean frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs and your phone, to kill any germs that might be lingering.
Wearing Masks: If you’re feeling under the weather, wearing a mask can help reduce the risk of spreading germs to others.
Limiting Contact: Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick to lower your chances of catching or spreading the cold.

While there isn’t a vaccine specifically for the common cold, getting vaccinated against the flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and COVID-19 can help reduce the number of colds you might experience especially for immunocompromised individuals, children, and the elderly. And while taking vitamin C won’t usually prevent colds, it will help boost your immune system. In the case of infants, breastfeeding will provide the necessary immunity to help protect infants from respiratory and other illnesses. Let’s all do our part to stay healthy and keep those around us safe from the common cold!

COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

Think of coronaviruses as a big family of viruses, each with crown-like spikes on their surface. This “crown” is where the name ‘corona’ comes from—it’s Latin for crown. These viruses can cause a variety of illnesses, ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like MERS and SARS. The virus we’re talking about with COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2. It’s a new member of this virus family, meaning it’s something we haven’t seen before in humans, which is why it’s made such a big splash in global health. COVID-19 mainly affects your respiratory system but can affect other parts of your body, too. It might seem a bit scary, but don’t worry. Understanding what COVID-19 is and how it impacts your health is the first step toward staying informed and safe.

How is COVID-19 Spread?

Based on the latest 2024 information, COVID-19 mainly spreads from person-to-person through the air when someone who has the virus breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. They release tiny droplets and particles, called aerosols, that can be inhaled by others or land on their eyes, nose, or mouth. One thing to know is that you can spread the virus to others even before you start showing symptoms—viral shedding, or how much virus you release, is highest about 24 to 48 hours before symptoms appear. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it spreads:

Breathing, talking, coughing, sneezing: This releases droplets and aerosols into the air.
Asymptomatic spread: You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
Surface contamination: It’s less common, but touching surfaces with the virus can sometimes lead to infection.
Rare transmission to animals: Occasionally, the virus can spread from people to animals.

Even if you’re feeling healthy, you might still pass the virus to others. That’s why it’s crucial to follow public health guidelines, like wearing masks, washing your hands regularly, and keeping your distance when needed. Let’s keep each other safe by staying informed and cautious.

What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms can vary quite a bit, which can make it hard to tell if you’re infected. Symptoms usually show up within 14 days after exposure, but most people start to feel sick around day 5. Here’s a quick guide to what you might experience:

Fever or chills: You might have a fever or chills, but sometimes these can be mild or even absent.
Cough: Your cough could be usually dry or sometimes produce mucus.
Muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue: These can be pretty common.
Cold-like symptoms: You might notice a runny nose, sneezing, or a sore throat.
Gastrointestinal issues: Some people get stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Loss of smell or taste: This isn’t as common, but it can happen.
Shortness of breath: You might feel out of breath, sometimes without even realizing it.
Coughing up blood and sharp chest pain: In more serious cases, you could experience coughing up blood or sharp chest pain.

Symptoms can start off mild and then get worse, leading to more severe conditions like trouble breathing or shock. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to get checked out and follow health guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.

Also, keep in mind that people with asthma and other chronic diseases are at risk of more severe complications from COVID-19 that is why vaccination is always recommended.

How Long is COVID-19 Contagious?

Knowing how long you're contagious with COVID-19 helps you keep others safe. The time you can spread the virus varies based on how sick you are and your overall health. Let’s break it down simply:

Asymptomatic: You can actually spread the virus even before you start feeling sick. Viral shedding, or how much virus you release, peaks about 24 to 48 hours before symptoms appear.
Mild symptoms: If you have mild symptoms, you’re generally contagious for about 10 days. Start counting from the day you first test positive as day 0.
Moderate symptoms: If your symptoms are more pronounced and your body is still fighting the virus, you might be contagious for about 10 days, but it could last up to 20 days if symptoms are still going strong.

However, the CDC has changed the guidelines for individuals that have been vaccinated and the recommended isolation period is about 5 days or until becoming fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication. Following these guidelines helps you avoid spreading the virus and keeps everyone safer. Remember, staying informed and cautious is a great way to protect yourself and others.

Preventing the Spread of COVID-19

Keeping COVID-19 at bay is all about using the right strategies to protect yourself and others. Luckily, there are some effective methods to help you do just that. Let’s break down the essentials, starting with vaccines.

Vaccines:

Vaccines have been a key player in our fight against COVID-19. In the U.S., there are 3 main types: 2 mRNA vaccines and 1 protein subunit vaccine. These vaccines have been updated to target the latest variants, like Omicron XBB.1.5, ensuring you get the best protection available. It’s important to remember that older vaccines designed for previous strains are no longer authorized. Focus on the latest versions to stay protected. Contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacy for the most updated information on these vaccines.

Public Health Prevention:

In addition to getting vaccinated, here are some straightforward steps you can take to reduce the risk of spreading or catching COVID-19:

Stay Updated on Vaccinations: Keep up with your vaccines to ensure you’re protected.
Monitor for Symptoms: If you’re not feeling well, keep an eye on your symptoms and consider getting tested if needed.
Test Regularly: Especially if you're planning to be around others or have been exposed to COVID-19.
Avoid Contact When Sick: Stay home if you’re unwell, even if you think it’s just a cold, as many respiratory infections spread similarly.
Improve Ventilation: Good airflow can help lower the concentration of airborne viruses.
Hand Hygiene and Masking: Wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, and consider wearing a high-quality mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places.

Isolation and Quarantine:

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive, it’s important to isolate yourself to avoid spreading the virus. Stay home, use a separate bathroom if possible, and limit contact with others. If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, wear a mask around others for 10 days, watch for symptoms, and get tested on day 6 after exposure.

By following these simple guidelines and staying informed, you can help keep yourself and your community safe and healthy.

INFLUENZA (THE FLU)

What is Influenza?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects your respiratory system, including your nose, throat, and lungs. Each year, seasonal flu outbreaks are mainly caused by 1 or 2 strains of influenza A and B viruses. These viruses change frequently, which is why it’s important to get a new flu shot annually for best protection. There’s also an influenza type C, but it usually causes less severe illness and occurs sporadically. Understanding what influenza is and how it can affect your health helps you take the right steps to protect yourself and others. So, let’s dive into the details and make sense of this common illness together.

How is Influenza Spread?

Now that we know what influenza is and why it’s important to stay protected, let’s talk about how this virus spreads from person to person. Understanding the transmission methods can help you take practical steps to avoid getting sick and to prevent passing the flu on to others. Here’s a simple breakdown of how influenza makes its way around:

Droplets: When someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets containing the virus are released into the air. If these droplets land in your mouth, nose, or are inhaled into your lungs, you can get infected.
Surfaces: You can also catch the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it, like a doorknob or a phone, and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Contagious Period: The flu is most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days after symptoms start, but you can spread it before you even know you’re sick and for up to a week after becoming ill.

Understanding how the flu spreads can help you take steps to avoid catching it or passing it on to others. Simple actions like covering your mouth when you cough, washing your hands regularly, and staying home when you’re sick can make a big difference in keeping everyone healthy.

What are the Symptoms of The Flu?

Influenza, or the flu, can bring on a wide range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening illness. Typically, the flu hits hard and fast, with symptoms appearing abruptly 1 to 4 days after exposure and lasting up to 2 weeks. Here's what you might experience:

First Symptoms:

Fever, chills, and sweating: These are very common and often signal the start of the flu.
Muscle pain: This can be quite intense and make you feel very achy.
Headache: Often prominent and can be severe.
General discomfort and fatigue: These can be profound, making you feel exceptionally tired and weak.
Loss of appetite: Common as your body fights off the infection.

Subsequent Symptoms:

Runny nose and nasal congestion: These are usually prominent, with or without sneezing.
Sore throat: Frequently occurs alongside other symptoms.
Deep, hacking, nonproductive cough: This can lead to progressive chest discomfort.
Difficulty breathing: May occur if the flu progresses to pneumonia.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms:

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea: Sometimes occur in children but are rare in adults.

Understanding these symptoms can help you recognize the flu early and take steps to manage it effectively, keeping yourself and those around you as healthy as possible.

How Long is the Flu Contagious?

Understanding how long you're contagious with influenza is crucial for preventing its spread and protecting those around you. The flu typically begins abruptly, with symptoms appearing 1 to 4 days after exposure and lasting up to 14 days. Let’s break down what this means for you and those around you:

When You’re Most Contagious: You’re most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days after your illness begins, but you can spread the virus even before you know you’re sick and for up to a week after becoming ill. Children and people with weakened immune systems might be contagious for a longer period.

For Low-Risk Groups: If you’re in a low-risk group and don’t develop complications, you can expect a full recovery with a good prognosis.

For High-Risk Groups: Those in high-risk groups, like the elderly or individuals with underlying health conditions, have a higher chance of severe illness, hospitalization. Taking extra precautions is essential to avoid serious complications and prevention is always the best practice.

By understanding the contagious period and the risks associated with influenza, you can take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others. Remember, taking simple steps can ensure a healthier environment for everyone.

Preventing the Spread of Influenza

Preventing the flu is all about taking a few simple, everyday steps to keep yourself and those around you healthy. Here’s what you can do:

Get Your Flu Shot:

Annual Vaccination: Get your flu shot every year. It’s recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, especially in the fall. This is particularly important for those at higher risk, like pregnant women and older adults.

Types of Vaccines: There are several types of flu vaccines available, including inactivated virus vaccines, high-dose vaccines for older adults, and live attenuated vaccines (a nasal spray) for healthy, nonpregnant individuals aged 2 to 49 years.

Egg Allergy: Even if you have an egg allergy, you can still get vaccinated. If you have a severe allergy, it’s best to get vaccinated under medical supervision. The recombinant flu shot (Flublok Quadrivalent) is available for people with egg allergies.

Use Antiviral Medications: Antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) [As soon as symptoms start. It’s less effective when taken after the first 2 days of symptoms.] and zanamivir (Relenza) can help prevent and treat the flu, especially for those at high risk or who can’t get the vaccine.

Everyday Preventive Actions:

Handwashing: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Avoid Sick Individuals: Try to stay away from people who are sick.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Wear a Mask: Wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of the virus, especially if you’re feeling unwell.
Clean Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, like doorknobs, mobile devices, and countertops.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help protect yourself and others from the flu. Let's all do our part to stay healthy and keep our communities safe!

Supplements that May Help Boost Immunity*

Ashwagandha - Our convenient capsules provide 250 mg of this potent herb known as an adaptogen. This is a class of herbs, roots and other plant substances (like mushrooms) that help our bodies manage stress and restore balance after a stressful situation. They also have a history of being used for immune support.
Rei-Shi - This extract has been taken from mushrooms found to have immune modulating properties. A 2021 review found the rei-shi mushrooms to have immune boosting benefits.
Vitamin C, E, and Zinc are great aids to boost immunity and improve respiratory symptoms.
In the case of Covid-19, ginger and ginkgo biloba are natural blood thinners that can help prevent blood clotting caused by the virus.

Bottom Line

Knowing how the cold, COVID and influenza spread, recognizing the symptoms, understanding how long you're contagious, is important for your health and the health of others. Taking simple preventive steps like handwashing, vaccination, and wearing masks, can reduce your risk and help stop the spread. Remember, whether it’s the sniffles from a cold, the more severe symptoms of the flu, or the serious impact of COVID-19, staying informed and taking action are your best defenses. Let’s work together to stay healthy and protect our communities!

* This article is for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute medical advice. For immediate health concerns, please consult your physician.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.