COVID patients exhale high levels of virus the first eight days
With viral infections thriving in the cold weather, you may be wondering how long you stay contagious after catching Covid, flu or the common cold.
CNN Wellness medical expert, Dr Leana Wen, warned that relying on symptoms to guide you could be a mistake.
The doctor explained that many people may continue to have lingering symptoms well after their infectious period ends.
She told CNN: “It’s common to have a cough, for example, that could last for weeks or even months after a respiratory illness.
“Such symptoms indicate ongoing airway inflammation but do not reflect ongoing infection or risk to others.”
READ MORE Covid symptoms to spot with two new variants circulating this winter
Fortunately, the doctor shared the average length of time someone could shed these winter viruses to others.
Covid
Dr Wen explained that the estimated period of maximal contagiousness for coronavirus is in the 48 hours prior to developing symptoms and then the first five days after.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends isolating for five days and then wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around people for the next five days after a Covid infection.
However, you can also take a lateral flow test to determine whether you still carry the pesky virus. The doctor recommended opting for two consecutive negative tests to ensure you’re Covid free.
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Flu
Dr Wen shared that the period of maximal contagiousness for flu is thought to be three to four days after the illness begins.
She said: “The CDC advises that otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others up to five to seven days after becoming sick, and some people, like those with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer period of time.”
Cold
The period of infectiousness depends on the virus that causes it, as there are over 200 viruses that trigger the common cold, as well as the health of the infected individual.
The doctor added: “In short, there could be a time before showing symptoms that the person may be contagious, and usually the period of maximal infectiousness is in the three to five days after symptoms begin.
“However, they may be able to spread the virus for as long as two weeks after infection.”
If you’re worried about catching these winter viruses from somebody else, the doctor suggested following protective measures.
Dr Wen added: “These viral infections are very difficult to avoid, but I do want to emphasise that preventive methods can and do work.
“Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser often. And be sure to stay up-to-date on your vaccines, including the updated Covid-19 vaccine, the flu shot.”
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