When is common cold most contagious

Symptoms can begin about 2 days but can range from 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Some people can be infected with a flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those people may still spread the virus to others. You may be able to pass on flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. To receive weekly email updates about Seasonal Flu, enter your email address:. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Influenza Flu. Learn about misconceptions about the flu shot.

Theraflu outlines flu shot myths vs. Discover tips and tricks for getting over the common cold with Theraflu. Learn more about what the common cold is and how to handle symptoms. Find out when cold and flu season happens in your area with help from Theraflu. Learn more about what you can do to lower your risk of getting sick. This site is intended for US residents only.

All rights reserved. OK Cancel. Bosnia and Herzegovina. Czech Republic. United States English. Search Submit. Hot Liquid powders Syrup Caplets. All Theraflu products. Cold Flu. Frequently asked questions. How Are Colds and Flu Spread? Grein also recommends covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, cleaning your hands often with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand rub, and avoiding touching your face as much as possible. Skip to content.

First things first: Do you have a cold or the flu? Read: Is It a Cold or the Flu? When can I go back to work or school? The contagious period for the flu can last as long as days from when you first felt sick.

Viruses that cause colds can spread from infected people to others through the air and close personal contact. You can also get infected through contact with stool poop or respiratory secretions from an infected person. This can happen when you shake hands with someone who has a cold, or touch a surface, like a doorknob, that has respiratory viruses on it, then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette: always cough and sneeze into a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose.

There is no cure for a cold. To feel better, you should get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms but will not make your cold go away any faster. Always read the label and use medications as directed. Talk to your doctor before giving your child nonprescription cold medicines, since some medicines contain ingredients that are not recommended for children.

Learn more about symptom relief of upper respiratory infections, including colds. Antibiotics will not help you recover from a cold caused by a respiratory virus. They do not work against viruses, and they may make it harder for your body to fight future bacterial infections if you take them unnecessarily.