How long can you be contagious from the flu?

So how long are you really contagious with the flu? The CDC says you are contagious one day before you start feeling sick and up to seven days after. If you’re a kid, elderly, or have a weak immune system, you can be contagious for even longer.

Can you still have the flu if you don’t have a fever?

You are still contagious and your illness could progress and become a real concern, even if your temperature is not elevated. There are many other causes of a fever besides the flu virus. Any type of infection, whether bacterial or viral, can cause you to run a fever.

How can you tell if someone is contagious from a cold and flu?

Sneezing, fever, and a hacking cough are all signs that you could be contagious. Even if you feel all right, your symptoms — or lack thereof — could be deceiving. Even with mild illnesses, you can spread germs, too. Here’s how to tell whether you’re contagious and if you need to stay home.

Is the Common Cold Contagious to other people?

Viruses cause the common cold and flu, two contagious respiratory infections. The length of time during which a person can pass on the disease varies. Many people with flu or the common cold do not visit a doctor, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) do not consider adult deaths from flu to be nationally notifiable.

How long are you contagious with the flu or cold?

You’re generally contagious with a cold 1-2 days before your symptoms start, and you could be contagious as long as your symptoms are present—in rare cases, up to 2 weeks. An ounce of prevention Both the flu and a cold are generally spread through the air, by close contact, or contaminated surfaces.

You are still contagious and your illness could progress and become a real concern, even if your temperature is not elevated. There are many other causes of a fever besides the flu virus. Any type of infection, whether bacterial or viral, can cause you to run a fever.

Can a person be contagious with a virus?

Many of the winter respiratory illnesses caused by viruses are highly contagious, says Dr. Shirley Fannin, director of disease control for the county Department of Health Services. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed if people in your family or at work are sick. Most of the time, the contagion accompanies obvious symptoms.

Can a cold cause you to have a fever?

It is not always easy to tell the difference, and even a cold can cause you to have a mild fever. In general, all symptoms are worse when you have the flu. You are also more likely to have congestion, a runny nose, a cough, a sore throat, or sneezing with the flu. Exhaustion is also common with the flu.