Viral infections how long contagious

The common cold is usually contagious for a few days before symptoms develop until all symptoms are gone, which is usually about two weeks. The risk of spreading the cold to others is considered highest during the first two or three days of symptoms.

A sinus infection sinusitis can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Viral sinus infections make up most cases, and may be transmittable for a few days before symptoms start to a week afterward.

Sinus infections caused by bacteria are not considered to be contagious—a key sign of a bacterial sinus infection is symptoms that last more than 10 days. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, or the voice box.

It may develop as a result of a virus, bacteria, or fungi. Viral laryngitis tends to be contagious when fever is present. Laryngitis caused by bacteria or fungi is more infectious than viral laryngitis, but it is less easily spread than most other upper respiratory infections.

We want to hear from you. Cold sores: Less than 6 years old, contagious until cold sores are dry days. No isolation if sores are on part of body that can be covered. More than 6 years old, no isolation necessary if beyond touching, picking stage. Diarrhea Precautions: Contagious until stools are formed. Stay home until fever is gone, diarrhea is mild, blood and mucus are gone, and toilet-trained child has control over loose stools. Shigella and E-coli require extra precautions.

Consult your child care provider regarding attendance restrictions. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho. Examples of vaccine-preventable diseases include:. If you must go out, wash your hands frequently and sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow or into a tissue.

Be sure to properly dispose of any used tissues. Using condoms or other barrier methods can help prevent getting sexually transmitted diseases STDs. Limiting your number of sexual partners has also been shown to reduce your risk of getting an STD. Make sure all meats are cooked to the proper temperature.

Be sure to thoroughly wash any raw fruits or vegetables before eating. Bacteria and viruses cause many common infections, and these infections can be transmitted in many of the same ways. Sometimes your doctor can diagnose your condition by a simple physical examination. Other times, they may need to take a sample to culture to determine if a bacterial or viral infection is causing your illness. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.

Treatment of viral infections focuses on treating symptoms while the infection runs its course. Although in some cases, antiviral medications may be used. This germophobe blesses us with her ultimate guide to getting through public restrooms unscathed by restroom nasties.

There are several types of viral disease, depending on the underlying virus. A viral fever is a high body temperature that accompanies many viral infections. Antibiotics are powerful, life-saving medications used to fight infections caused by bacteria. They decrease or kill the growth of bacteria in your…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Medically reviewed by Dr. Tonsillitis itself isn't contagious, but the viruses that cause it are.

The length of time you're infectious will depend on the virus. Page last reviewed: 13 November Next review due: 13 November Home Common health questions Infections Back to Infections. How long is someone infectious after a viral infection? The infectious period often begins before you start to feel unwell or notice a rash. Bronchitis The length of time that bronchitis is infectious varies, depending on its cause.

Chickenpox Chickenpox is infectious from 2 days before the spots appear to until they have crusted over, usually 5 days after they first appeared. Common cold The common cold is infectious from a few days before your symptoms appear until all of the symptoms are gone.

Flu Flu is usually most infectious from the day your symptoms start and for a further 3 to 7 days.