How long is a cold contagious?

Be considerate and avoid infection

A cold is no fun. The immune system is weakened and the body is dependent on care. Who knows how long and especially when a cold is particularly contagious, can save others from their own fate. So when should you be extra careful and how long is the risk of infection with a cold really?

Why is a cold contagious?

A cold is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. Unlike a bacterial infection, antibiotics are powerless in a viral infection. Instead, in the case of a cold, we usually only treat the signs of illness and insist that our body's own defenses cope with the pathogens.

If the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is particularly severely damaged, bacteria can also penetrate and multiply. Only then is treatment with antibiotics effective.

How long do you rest from a cold?

In the first 3 days4-5 daysMore than 7 daysI don't know

Do not take the risk of infection with a cold lightly

The question of how long a cold is contagious cannot be answered exactly. Basically, the following applies: In every phase, a cold is contagious. However, the risk of infection is not the same at all times of the disease.

The incubation phase extends over the period between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms. Already at this time, the cold is contagious. The viruses are distributed via droplets when sneezing or coughing. However, the existing risk of infection is often underestimated, as there are no or only very mild symptoms, such as a tingling sensation in the nose. Especially after four to five days, a cold is contagious: you should not kiss or cuddle at this time.

Only with the subsidence of the cold symptoms does the risk of infection for other people decrease. Nevertheless, the cold is still contagious. Therefore, you should not react cocky. Protect yourself and minimize contact until you feel really fit. Only then is the risk of infection averted.

Cold: Avoid infection through effective prevention

Of course, you do not want to infect family members, friends or colleagues, nor do you want to be subject to a cold yourself. If you follow the following tips, you can prevent the infection with a cold:

Stay at home

If you are sick, you should stay at home. So if you have a cold, don't drag yourself to the office, birthday invitation or gym. So you do not only yourself, but also your fellow human beings a favor.

Kind wäscht Hände, da eine Erkältung ansteckend ist

Thorough hand washing

The importance of thorough hand washing to prevent colds and other infections is often underestimated. Be sure to wash your hands regularly. Especially when you come home and of course after sneezing or blowing your nose, you should take the time for it. Do not touch your nose or eyes with unwashed fingers. Ideally, use soap and wash your hands thoroughly for 20 to 30 seconds under lukewarm water.

Disinfect and Clean

Since a cold can also be transmitted by a smear infection, objects and surfaces should also be freed from viruses. You can avoid or at least reduce the risk of infection if you have a cold by disinfecting shared items. Pathogens are particularly common on doorknobs, light switches, telephones or computer keyboards. For cleaning, a commercially available disinfectant spray but also water and soap is suitable. This minimizes the risk of infection of the cold.

Sneeze and cough carefully

Sneeze and cough into the crook of your arm. Here's how to protect other people from transmission through a droplet infection. In addition, the viruses are not transmitted to objects by touching, such as the handle on the door handle.

Kissing and cuddling forbidden?

Only in moderation, because researchers are now of the opinion that a cold is rarely transmitted by kissing. This is due to the fact that saliva is exchanged in which there are no viruses – they only multiply in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. If viruses enter the mouth via the throat, they are usually quickly swallowed and destroyed by the acid in the stomach.

If it is not a cold, but a real flu, this can be transmitted via kissing. Therefore, even if it is sometimes difficult: Avoid close physical contact with your loved ones during a cold.