How Long is Eris Contagious?

Understanding Contagious Periods of Common Illnesses

Getting sick is never fun. Whether it’s the common cold, the flu, or something more serious, coming down with an illness can put a damper on your daily life. As social creatures, we also worry about getting others sick when we’re under the weather. This concern is especially heightened when children are involved, as their immune systems are more vulnerable. So how long are you contagious when you’re sick? The answer depends on what’s causing your symptoms. Here’s an overview of how long you’re likely to be spreading certain illnesses:

The Common Cold

Colds are caused by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and coronaviruses. After being exposed to one of these viruses, it takes about 1-3 days for symptoms like a runny nose, cough, congestion, and sore throat to develop. You’re generally most contagious during the first 2-3 days of showing symptoms. This is when the concentration of viruses in your mucus is highest. After this peak, your contagiousness steadily declines over the next 7-10 days. Most people stop shedding cold viruses by days 7-10, so you’re very unlikely to pass it on after this time.

The Flu

Influenza (the flu) is highly contagious. It’s spread through respiratory droplets that contain the influenza virus. When someone infected sneezes, coughs, or talks, these droplets are expelled into the air and can infect anyone nearby. Like a cold, you start becoming contagious about 1 day before flu symptoms appear. You remain contagious for 5-7 days after you first become sick. With the flu, adults can keep spreading the virus for longer, up to 10 days after the onset of symptoms. The duration is shorter in children.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is an infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. It leads to throat pain and swelling, fever, and sometimes a rash. Strep throat is spread by person-to-person contact with nasal and throat secretions containing the bacteria. Fortunately, strep throat is only contagious for a short time once symptoms develop, about 1-2 days without antibiotic treatment. With appropriate antibiotics, strep throat becomes non-contagious after just 24 hours of taking them.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are very common in children. They occur when viruses or bacteria cause inflammation and infection of the middle ear. The two main types are acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME). AOM involves fluid in the middle ear along with signs and symptoms of infection, like pain and fever. OME is fluid in the ear without acute infection, just muffled hearing. While the infections themselves aren’t contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause them can spread. The contagious period depends on the particular organism involved. Bacterial AOM is contagious until antibiotics lead to improvement, while viral AOM is contagious for a few days at the start.

Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, or mono, is an infectious illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It’s spread via contact with saliva, so it’s sometimes called the “kissing disease.” That said, mono isn’t nearly as contagious as some believe it to be. It’s estimated that fewer than 30-50% of those exposed to EBV will develop mono. For adolescents and adults who do get mono, the contagious period lasts for many months. Most transmit EBV at some point for up to a year and a half after the initial infection. Young children who get mono may spread EBV for only a few weeks.

The Norovirus

Noroviruses are notorious for causing viral gastroenteritis outbreaks and foodborne illness. There are many different strains of norovirus, which all spread from person to person rapidly. Norovirus is extremely contagious, transmitted through contaminated food or water, by contact with contaminated surfaces, or directly from someone who’s infected. Norovirus shedding in the stool begins a couple of days before gastroenteritis symptoms start and can persist for 2 weeks afterward in healthy adults. The virus also spreads through vomit, and viral shedding here can last multiple days.

The Bottom Line

When you’re under the weather, you probably just want to know when you can expect to feel better and stop spreading germs. While contagious periods depend on the particular bug causing illness, you can use the general timeframes outlined here to know how long to stick out that quarantine. Stay home while symptoms are strong and infectious secretions are likely. With most common illnesses, limiting contact until about a week after you first became sick is a safe bet. If you’re unsure about when you’re still contagious, ask your doctor about appropriate isolation and return to work/school timeframes.

Conclusion

Getting sick is an unfortunate fact of life. Throughout our lives, we’ll all deal with pesky colds, the miserable flu, strep throat, and other common illnesses. While vaccinations can provide some protection, none of these ailments can be prevented completely. If you do come down with something contagious, it’s responsible to stay home during the most infectious period. This minimizes the chances of passing the illness to friends, family, and coworkers.

With most common contagious ailments, limiting contact for around 7-10 days after you first become sick is a good rule of thumb. Colds and the flu are generally most contagious early on. Strep throat loses contagiousness about 24 hours after antibiotics. Ear infections themselves aren’t catchy, but the germs that cause them can be. Norovirus spreads rapidly through vomiting and diarrhea. Knowing how long you’re likely to be contagious can help inform isolation and returning to school/work decisions.

The key is staying on top of hygiene while you’re sick to avoid spreading illness. Wash hands thoroughly and sanitize shared surfaces. Cough/sneeze into your elbow and avoid unnecessary contact with others. Seeing your doctor promptly can also get you on the road to recovery faster. With proper care and some patience, you can keep infections contained.

FAQ:

Q: How long am I contagious before symptoms appear?

A: You can spread illnesses like colds and the flu about 1-3 days before symptoms start. The highest contagiousness is on the first day symptoms appear.

Q: Can I spread mono through kissing?

A: Yes, mononucleosis is spread through contact with saliva, which is why it’s often called the “kissing disease.” However, transmission is less common than typically thought.

Q: Is pneumonia contagious?

A: Bacterial pneumonia is not contagious. Viral pneumonia can be contagious when caused by viruses like influenza, adenovirus, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Viral pneumonia is most contagious during the first few days of illness.

Q: How long is the flu contagious in children vs. adults?

A: The flu is contagious for about 5-7 days in adults from the onset of symptoms. The duration is often shorter in children at more like 3-5 days.

Q: When does viral pink eye stop being contagious?

A: Viral conjunctivitis is very contagious. It’s spread through contact with eye discharge from an infected person. Without treatment, viral pinkeye is contagious for as long as symptoms last, which is usually 1-2 weeks.