The leaves are changing color, Thanksgiving is around the corner, and the holiday season is almost upon us. However, this time of year also brings the common cold, which is most prevalent during the fall and winter months. If you find yourself with a cold, you might wonder about the duration of its contagiousness. Research reveals important details on how long a cold remains contagious and how to reduce its spread.
A cold remains contagious from a few days before symptoms appear until they completely subside, as stated by the NHS. Colds generally last from seven to ten days, becoming less severe in the final days. Dr. Katherine Schmidt, a primary care physician at UC Health and an assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, notes that the contagious phase of a cold typically doesn’t extend beyond a week.
The Cleveland Clinic advises that colds are most contagious when symptoms are at their most severe. Symptoms usually develop within three days of exposure to the virus and intensify before reaching their peak. The common cold is highly contagious, with adults experiencing it two to four times a year and children even more frequently, as per the American Lung Association. Transmission can occur through touch and airborne particles.
To prevent the spread of colds, the Cleveland Clinic recommends several measures, including handwashing, cleaning commonly used surfaces, using hand sanitizer, strengthening the immune system, and staying home. Regarding the duration of staying home, Dr. Schmidt suggests remaining indoors during the first two to three days of a cold, when it’s highly contagious. People can resume their daily activities as they begin to feel better.
Dr. Schmidt also emphasizes the importance of adequate rest during recovery. She advises against rushing back to full activity and stresses the need to allow the body time to heal properly.
