How long until a cold is not contagious

For colds, you become contagious about a day before symptoms even develop. However, you are most contagious for the first 2 or 3 days after symptoms appear. With the flu, you’re contagious 1 day before symptoms show until about 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin.

How does a cold or the flu spread?

Both the common cold and the flu are caused by viruses, which means they can easily spread from person to person. Here are 3 common ways these viruses spread:

1. Passed through the air by coughing, sneezing, and talking

2. Physical contact with the virus on contaminated objects like phones or doorknobs

3. Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands

How can you keep others from catching your cold?

You come into contact with viruses all the time. That’s why it’s helpful to understand how to prevent spreading or contracting the virus when you’re most contagious. A cold usually is not contagious after a week.

When you’re sick, stay at home if possible. Also, be sure to always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. To help stop spreading the virus, place your nose into the inside of your elbow if you don’t have a tissue. Make sure to dispose of any used tissues immediately.

When does the flu stop infecting those around you?

Similar to a cold, you can pass the flu on to someone else before you even feel sick, and while you’re actually dealing with symptoms.

4 easy ways to cope with cold and flu viruses

1. Clean your hands often with an alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water

2. Get an annual flu shot before the start of flu season

3. Ease your symptoms with NeoCitran over-the-counter cold and flu medicines

4. Use household cleaning products to disinfect areas where germs may spread, such as bathroom surfaces, tables near beds and door handles, etc.

Those cold medicine commercials depict it right: When you come down with a virus, it can totally take you out, leaving you feeling absolutely terrible and surrounded by crumpled tissues. Adults in the U.S. get an average of two to three colds per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But how long are you actually contagious with one after you get sick? We've got you.

First, a refresher: "The common cold is an upper respiratory viral infection that may be caused by a number of different viruses," says Amy Zack, MD, family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic. And there are more than 200 viruses (!) that can cause the common cold, according to the CDC. (A note: Since colds are viral, the only way to treat the common cold is by getting a lot of rest, staying hydrated, and eating foods that support the immune system, notes Dr. Zack. Antibiotics do not treat the common cold.)

If you do come down with a cold, you may feel one of many symptoms, including: sore throat, runny nose, post nasal drip, a mild cough, sneezing, weakness, loss of appetite, body aches, and not smelling or tasting food correctly, says Patricia Couto, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Orlando Health.

Now, let's get into the nitty gritty about how colds spread—and long you should stay away from your family and friends to keep 'em protected.

First, what is a cold's incubation period?

It typically doesn't take long at all for you to start feeling sick after being exposed to a cold virus. "The most common colds have an incubation period—the time after exposure and before symptoms develop—from one to three days," says Dr. Zack.

Yes, you're technically contagious at this point, even if you don't feel like you're ill. "The cold virus maybe spread during this period before the person even knows they are sick," adds Dr. Zack. "Any symptoms of a cold—congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fever, and cough—should be an indication that you might be contagious."

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How does a cold spread, exactly?

Colds spread directly from people who have them through small droplets in the air when the person who has the virus sneezes or coughs. "It may also be spread by touching the face, wiping the nose, or coughing into hands," says Dr. Zack.

A cold can also be spread via close contact, especially while talking. "When you speak, mucous and saliva from the back of throat can get expelled into the air," says Dr. Couto.

Some of the best ways to prevent the spread of colds is to avoid contact with others, and to do frequent hand washing. (According to the CDC, you should scrub your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.) You can also opt to use hand sanitizer. Dr. Couto prefers hand washing, since the water "drags" viral particles off the skin. And, of course, wearing masks is also a very effective way to decrease the risk of spreading or contracting a cold.

How long should you stay away from someone with a cold?

If you really want to avoid getting sick yourself, you'll need to stay away for a decent amount of time."Anyone with a cold may be contagious while they have symptoms, and anywhere from one to two weeks overall," says Dr. Zack. "It is best to wait at least 72 hours after symptoms have resolved to resume contact."

Anyone with a cold may be contagious while they have symptoms, and anywhere from one to two weeks.

And if you develop cold symptoms, it is best to stay home and rest, especially to avoid spreading it to others and allowing yourself time to get better. "There are a number of over-the-counter medications to treat cold symptoms," says Dr. Zack. "Be sure to contact your doctor prior to taking if you have other medical illnesses or take prescription medication."

Emily Shiffer is a former digital web producer for Men’s Health and Prevention, and is currently a freelancer writer specializing in health, weight loss, and fitness. She is currently based in Pennsylvania and loves all things antiques, cilantro, and American history.