The common cold is a fairly common illness. But what is it? According to Dr. Amy Zack, it is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that can be caused by several different viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 200 viruses (!) can cause a cold. Since a cold is a viral illness, the only way to treat it is to get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, and eat foods that support the immune system. But how many days are people contagious with a cold?
ContentFirst, what is the incubation period for a cold? How exactly does a cold spread? How many days are people contagious with a cold?
WomanEL understands that you want to return to your normal rhythm of life and communicate with friends as soon as possible. Find out what experts think about this.
First, what is the incubation period of a cold?
It usually doesn't take long for you to feel sick after contracting a cold virus. “For most common colds, the incubation period—the time between infection and the appearance of symptoms—is one to three days,” says Dr. Zak.
Yes, you're technically contagious during this time, even if you don't feel sick. “The cold virus can spread during this time before a person even knows they're sick,” adds Dr. Zak. “Any symptoms of a cold—a runny nose, sore throat, fever, and cough—should be a sign that you might be contagious.”
How exactly does a cold spread?
A cold can also be spread when a sick person touches you or a surface (e.g. a doorknob) that you then touch, Source: freepik.com
Colds are spread directly from sick people through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. “It can also be spread by touching your face, wiping your nose, or coughing into your hands,” says Dr. Zak.
Colds can also be spread through close contact, especially when talking. “When you talk, mucus and saliva from the back of your throat can get into the air,” says Dr. Patricia Couto.
One of the best ways to prevent the spread of colds is to avoid contact with other people and wash your hands frequently. You should wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitizer. Dr. Couto prefers hand washing because water “pulls” viral particles off your skin. And, of course, wearing masks is also a very effective way to reduce the risk of spreading or catching a cold.
How many days is a person contagious with a cold?
If you really want to avoid getting sick yourself, you will have to Stay away from someone with a cold for a long time. “Anyone with a cold can be contagious while they have symptoms. Generally, it’s one to two weeks,” says Dr. Zak. “It’s best to wait at least 72 hours after symptoms have gone before resuming contact.”
And if you do have cold symptoms, it’s best to stay home and rest to avoid infecting others and give yourself time to recover. “There are a number of over-the-counter medications available to treat cold symptoms,” says Dr. Zak.
“Be sure to check with your doctor if you have other medical conditions or are taking prescription medications.” IMPORTANT: Antibiotics do not cure colds.
Want to stay healthy and avoid catching a cold? Here are some effective ways to prevent it.
