How long is a cold contagious and when should you not go to work?
You are most infectious during the three days when you first start showing symptoms of a common cold
IF you're feeling a little bit under the weather then you could be about to come down with a full-blown cold.
The coronavirus pandemic has made all of us a little more self-conscious about spreading viruses, but should you go to work if you have a cold?
How long is a cold contagious for?
According to the NHS, the common cold is infectious from a few days before your symptoms appear until all of the symptoms are gone.
The health service website advises most people will be infectious for a couple of weeks.
Symptoms are usually worse during the first 2 to 3 days, which coincides with a person being most infectious.
But a cold is different for everyone and some people could suffer longer, it depends on many factors such as underlying health conditions and whether or not you're getting enough rest.
To make sure you don't spread a cold you could wear a face mask and make sure to follow hygiene measures such as handwashing.
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When you should stay at home from work?
Colds are caused by viruses and easily spread.
While you stay infectious for roughly two weeks, the real danger zone is during the first three days, when your will feel worse.
So you're doing everyone a favour by staying off work, and keeping kids at home, when the symptoms first appear to avoid spreading the virus.
Staying warm and resting up will also reduce your own recovery period.
Experts have also recently warned that cold symptoms could actually be Covid-19.
Professor Tim Spector, of King's College London, urged people who have cold and flu-like symptoms to get a coronavirus test.
He said if you don't feel well, then it's best to stay at home.
He said: "It’s easier to work at home, just spend a couple of days if you are feeling under the weather without spreading it around and get a test.
"If you do have a cold just think, it could be Covid, keep your distance before whether you know it is or not."
Prof Spector said that symptoms have evolved from the three that the NHS is still listing and said that now, many people are 'absolutely not aware' that the virus can look like a cold.
"Especially if you’re young or you have been double vaccinated", he explained.
He added: "So we want people to stop a moment and think if they are going into crowded spaces."
What are the symptoms of a bad cold?
COMMON COLD
The NHS lists says a common cold can cause:
- A blocked or runny nose
- A sore throat
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Coughs
- Sneezing
- A raised temperature
- Pressure in your ears and face
- Loss of taste and smell