The holidays are a time for gatherings, but getting sick right before can be stressful – especially if you’re worried about passing it on. Knowing when you’re contagious is key to protecting friends and family. Here’s a breakdown of common winter illnesses and how long you might still spread them.
The Flu
The flu hits fast: one moment you feel fine, the next you’re hit with chills, fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue. You’re most contagious in the first few days of symptoms, but can remain infectious for up to seven days.
The rule of thumb? Stay home until symptoms improve and your fever breaks without medication for at least 24 hours. After that, wearing a mask and distancing for another five days is wise, especially if symptoms linger. If you’re immunocompromised, you could be contagious for up to two weeks. Diagnostic tests can confirm that you have the flu, but not how contagious you are.
COVID-19
COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) presents similarly to the flu: fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and even loss of smell or taste.
The guidelines are similar to the flu: isolate when symptomatic, and return only when fever-free for 24 hours without medication and symptoms improve. Continue masking and distancing if you still test positive or have lingering symptoms. COVID can sometimes worsen one to two weeks in, so re-isolate if that happens. Even asymptomatic people who test positive should mask for at least five days.
The Common Cold
The common cold develops more gradually: a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and mild fever.
You’re contagious for about seven days after symptoms start. Once symptoms clear, you’re no longer infectious. Follow the same guidelines as the flu: stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without medication, and mask/distance for at least five days afterward.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV, often called the “wheezing virus,” causes coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and fever.
You’re contagious for up to eight days after symptoms begin. Isolate until fever-free for 24 hours without medication, then practice distancing and masking. Immunocompromised people can remain contagious for four weeks or longer, even without symptoms.
Strep Throat
Strep throat presents as a sudden sore throat without nasal congestion or watery eyes.
The good news? Antibiotics cut contagiousness down to 24 hours after starting treatment. Stay home for that period until the fever breaks. Without antibiotics, you can be contagious for up to three weeks.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping cough begins like a common cold but escalates into violent coughing fits with a characteristic “whoop” sound.
You’re contagious from the first symptoms for about 14 days after the cough starts. If your cough worsens, see a doctor immediately. Early antibiotic treatment is crucial.
Bottom line: When in doubt, stay home. Prioritizing rest and avoiding contact when sick is the surest way to protect others. Always follow healthcare guidelines, and if you’re unsure, consult a medical professional.
