When Is a Cold No Longer Contagious?

You are likely contagious with a cold for no longer than seven days. Usually, symptoms develop within two to three days after contracting a cold virus. You are most contagious during the first few days after symptoms appear.

Recovering from a cold does not necessarily mean you are not contagious. You may have a lingering cough and a runny or stuffy nose for as long as two weeks.

The common cold is, as the name suggests, incredibly common. The average adult has about two to three colds yearly, and children have even more than that. Read on to learn exactly how long colds are contagious, some of the most common symptoms, and when to see a healthcare provider.

Lifecycle of a Cold

The incubation period, or the time from when you are infected to when you show symptoms, for a cold is about two to three days. In some people, the incubation period may last as long as one week. You may be most contagious during that time, Jazmine Oliver, MD, a hospital medicine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, told Health. 

"The highest infectious period is usually one to two days before symptom onset and during the first two to three days of symptoms," said Dr. Oliver.

You are often most contagious for the first few days when your symptoms are most severe. Cold symptoms usually get better over seven days, after which you are likely not contagious. Still, that's not always a hard-and-fast rule. You may be able to spread the virus if you have a lingering cough or are showing other symptoms. 

"Sometimes, you may have a nagging cough that lingers for an additional week or two after you've started feeling better," added Dr. Oliver.

Coughing and a runny or stuffy nose may linger for two weeks. Though, your symptoms will likely improve during that time. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms do not go away or worsen after 10 days.

In rare cases, you can still be infectious even after symptoms resolve due to viral shedding when a virus replicates in the body and makes its way out into the environment, said Dr. Oliver.

Symptoms

Some of the most common cold symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose

Of note: Your mucus will likely appear clear during the first few days of a cold. It's normal for your mucus to change to a greenish-yellow or white color after two to three days.

Those symptoms may be hard to distinguish from COVID-19 or the flu. Fevers are usually more common if you have the flu, COVID-19, or other viruses. Consider receiving a COVID-19 test if you recently had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and develop cold-like symptoms and a fever.

Risk Factors

Cold viruses are very contagious and spread from person to person.

Factors that increase the risk of catching a cold include:

• Age (young children typically get colds more often than adults)
• Close personal contact with someone with a cold, especially if they cough, sneeze, or talk near you
• Fall and winter months, known as cold and flu season
• Touching an object with infectious droplets, then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose

Prevention

Colds are so common that it's hard to protect yourself completely. Even in that case, you can take some steps to help prevent others from getting sick if you are contagious.

Here are some steps you can take to decrease your and others' risks of catching a cold:

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
• Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap is not available for handwashing.
• Cover your nose and mouth with the crook of your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Do not touch your face without washing your hands.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Stay home if you are sick, and maintain distance from people who are sick.
  

When To Call a Healthcare Provider

Colds typically resolve on their own without treatment. Try getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated to feel better while your symptoms run their course.

Consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen after 10 days.

Seek medical attention if you or a loved one develops severe symptoms, such as:

• Dehydration
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever that does not go away after four days
• Health conditions that worsen with cold symptoms

A Quick Review 

Typically, you are contagious with a cold for no longer than seven days. Symptoms usually develop within two to three days and peak during the first few days, when you are most contagious. Symptoms generally subside within one week, but coughing and a runny or stuffy nose may linger for as long as two weeks.

Preventative measures, such as handwashing and social distancing, help protect you and others during cold and flu season. Track your symptoms if you come down with a cold, and isolate as much as possible during the first few days of your illness. Remain vigilant until you are no longer contagious, about two weeks after your symptoms start.