If you have a cold, you’re usually the most contagious during the first four days of symptoms.
However, some viral strains can continue to spread for up to a month.
Each year, millions of cases of thecommon coldoccur in the United States.
The common cold is an almost inevitable part of life and can be difficult to avoid.
Understanding the risk of transmission and taking proper precautions can help stem the spread of colds.
This article explains how colds are spread and when they are the most contagious.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
How Long Are You Contagious?
The incubation period for a cold virus is 24 to 72 hours.
This is how long it takes for symptoms to appear after you become infected.
For the common cold, symptoms start to develop one to three days after exposure to the virus.
Most colds last for about a week, but it’s possible to spread the virus after that.
Cold viruses can persist in the body for up to four weeks.
How Do Colds Spread?
Cold viruses are spread through airborne droplets, person-to-person contact, and contact with contaminated surfaces.
When a person is sick with a respiratory virus, coughing and sneezing propel droplets into the air.
The virus-loaded droplets land on surfaces or enter someone else’supper respiratory tract.
This is referred to asfomitetransmission.
Most colds are brought on by strains in the rhinovirus and coronavirus families.
Can a Cold Pass Back and Forth Between People?
Possibly, but it’s not likely.
Cold viruses spread easily from person to person.
There are over 200 different viruses that cause the common cold.
How Long Are You Contagious After a Cold?
One reason colds spread so fast is that you become contagious before you probably realize it.
In fact, most people become contagious with a cold for one to two days before their symptoms start.
How to Prevent Spreading or Catching a Cold
Unfortunately, colds just happen sometimes.
When around others, it helps to wear a face mask to catch respiratory droplets if you cough orsneeze.
People who live with you could do the same.
Be sure to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
It is best to cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm.
This way, you’ve got the option to avoid contaminating your hand.
You and others in your household should frequently wash your hands and regularly clean surfaces.
Try your best to avoid touching your face (like scratching or rubbing your nose).
To be safe around high-risk people, continue to use precautions for a week after cold symptoms abate.
Always wash your hands before making food and after taking care of someone else who is sick.
If your child is sick, wash any toys they use thoroughly.
Also, drink lots of water to help flush toxins from your system.
Avoid eating too much sugar, which can weaken your immune system when consumed in excess.
Summary
Colds are spread by airborne droplets, person-to-person contact, and touching contaminated surfaces.
Colds are most contagious one to four days after cold symptoms appear but may be contagious even longer.
Treating a cold properly, including getting plenty of rest, may reduce its duration or severity.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Colds can be due to hundreds of different viruses.
This makes it virtually impossible todevelop a single vaccineor preventive medication.
While a cold can feel miserable, it typically resolves in a week to 10 days without complications.
As such, isn’t a serious health threat that would benefit from a vaccine like COVID-19.
Yes, kissing a person with a cold can transmit a virus.
it’s possible for you to catch a cold virus from any close contact with a sick person.
Colds are most contagious during the first four days of cold symptoms.
However, cold viruses can persist in the body for up to a month.
Toddlers' colds can be sparked by different viruses.
One of the more contagious strains is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RSV is typically contagious for three to eight days.
However, in some cases, children may still be contagious with RSV for up to four weeks.
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The 4 best foods for your immune system.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What to do if you get sick.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RSV transmission.
