We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. 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. Each time you sneeze or cough due to a respiratory infection , you release germ-filled droplets into the air. Those bacteria- or virus-filled particles can fly up to 6 feet — making anyone near you a target. You also spread bacteria and viruses when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth and then touch surfaces with those germy fingers.
Certain cold and flu germs can survive on surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, and phones for up to 24 hours. You might still be contagious when you go back to work or school. To protect people around you, take the following steps:. When deciding whether to stay home, consider your symptoms. If you have a mild tickle in your throat or a stuffy nose , you should be able to go to work.
Get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and wait for your symptoms to subside. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends staying home for 24 hours after a fever and other flu-like symptoms chills , sweating, flushed skin have cleared up. Your doctor may recommend several treatments for your illness.
The flu is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus that targets your head and chest. People often feel the achiness and fatigue first, before their respiratory symptoms develop. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen Tylenol or ibuprofen Advil, Motrin may help you manage your symptoms. To relieve your symptoms faster, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug such as oseltamivir Tamiflu , peramivir Rapivab , zanamivir Relenza , or baloxavir Xofluza.
Also, antiviral drugs can cause side effects such as nausea , vomiting, and diarrhea. First things first: Do you have a cold or the flu? Read: Is It a Cold or the Flu? When can I go back to work or school? The contagious period for the flu can last as long as days from when you first felt sick. An ounce of prevention. Tags: Expert Advice. No one enjoys catching a cold—and for some, the common cold can be very dangerous.
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. 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, Save Pin FB More.
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