The common cold does exactly what it says on the label. It’s omnipresent, especially in the months leading up to winter. What is more difficult to find is a definitive explanation about when it is contagious. The problem is that it varies from instance to situation and from person to person.

On average, adults in the United States get 2 to 3 colds per year, though this may be more difficult to detect given the prevalence of Covid-19.

Colds are extremely infectious: they spread through the air, through close contact with infected people, and even by not thoroughly washing your hands after using the restroom.

Even if you follow all of the precautions, such as handwashing with soap and water on a regular basis, avoiding individuals who are sick, and avoiding touching your face, you are still likely to catch one at some point during the year.

When are colds infectious?

However, if the unavoidable occurs and you find yourself with a runny nose, there are steps you can take to assist prevent the transmission to others, beginning with identifying when you’re contagious.

According to the US-based health information service MedlinePlus, the incubation period for colds – the time after you get the sickness but don’t have symptoms – is two to three days.

Unfortunately, this is also when you are most likely to be contagious.

Symptoms are likely to last between two days and two weeks after they occur, while it is unlikely that they will be communicable after the first week in the majority of instances.

But here’s where things get complicated: no matter how much time has gone, if you’re still coughing or exhibiting symptoms, you could still be contagious.

As a result, the best thing to do is to protect yourself and others by washing your hands frequently and avoiding sick people.

Meanwhile, if you’re sick, keep note of your symptoms and isolate yourself as much as possible in the early days when you’re most contagious, avoiding contact with people until all symptoms have subsided.

What are the main common symptoms of the common cold?

• A blocked or runny nose
• A sore throat
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Coughs
• Sneezing
• A raised temperature
• Pressure in your ears and face
• Loss of taste and smell

Best medicine for the common cold include:

• Rest and sleep
• Keep warm
• Drink plenty of water (fruit juice or squash mixed with water is OK) to avoid dehydration
• Gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat (not suitable for children)

Image Credit: Getty

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