Have a cold how long am i contagious

Steam inhalers are used as personal saunas for skin care or supporting respiratory health. We created a list of steam inhalers to suit your needs. You may have heard that you can sweat out a cold, but is this an effective remedy?

Learn more here. Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Try these remedies and OTC products to relieve your symptoms. Salt water gargles are touted as an effective and easy home remedy for a sore throat.

We explain why, plus additional benefits. Can apple cider vinegar be used for colds? We explain the benefits of apple cider vinegar, and what the science says about it treating the common cold. What does research say about whether you should exercise with a cold? Learn what you should and shouldn't do, and how you can help yourself recover….

When you have a cold, you may have a hard time sleeping well due to congestion, coughing, or a runny nose. Some medications may help you sleep better…. A healthy diet is key to flu prevention and a working immune system. Check out these easy-to-make drinks that contain the essential nutrients. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Cameron White, M.

Am I contagious? When to stay home Treatment What about allergies? Outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers. Around 2 to 4 days later, a red-brown spotty rash develops that normally fades after about a week. Mumps causes your salivary glands to swell. These glands are just below and in front of your ears. People with rubella should stay off school or work, and avoid contact with pregnant women where possible, for 6 days after the rash firsts develops.

You can't spread shingles to others. But people who haven't had chickenpox before could catch chickenpox from you. Tonsillitis itself isn't contagious, but the viruses that cause it are. The length of time you're infectious will depend on the virus. Page last reviewed: 13 November Next review due: 13 November Home Common health questions Infections Back to Infections.

Take preventive action by increasing your handwashing to stop the spread of germs, running a humidifier in your home viruses spread more easily in dry air , and limiting your contact with people who may be sick. To that end, if you do get sick, try to stay home from work—not only to allow yourself to rest but to protect others.

Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season. Sign up and get yours today. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others. Updated February 11, Tesini BL. Common Cold. Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated June Mayo Clinic.

Cold and flu viruses: How long can they live outside the body? Updated June 26, American Lung Association. Facts About The Common Cold. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. Sutton says, you can still be infectious even after symptoms resolve, due to something called viral shedding, or when a virus replicates in the body and makes its way out into the environment.

Basically, your best bet for protecting yourself and others during flu season: Continue taking the necessary preventative measures like hand washing and physically distancing yourself from sick people. To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter.

Here's What Experts Say. How Long Is a Cold Contagious? By Maggie O'Neill November 03,