ask:
when you have a cold or flu how long do you remain contagious? I'm currently suffering from the worst cold/man flu I've had in 30yrs. I want to visit my family next week and my Mother has lung problems so I do want to give it to her. I've been suffering for 5 days now and I want to visit my Mother in 6 days, will I be safe?
answer:
For both the common cold and the flu, the contagious period begins approximately 1-2 days prior to the start of your symptoms. You are MOST contagious 3-4 days into the symptoms and with the common cold remain contagious until all of your symptoms have subsided. With the flu, in children the contagious period lasts a full two weeks from the start of symptoms but only a week to ten days in adults.
Unless you're sniffling, coughing and sneezing six days from now, I think you'll be safe to visit Mom. Just take good care of yourself in the interim~ drink plenty of fluids, get a lot of rest and be sure to wash your hands often.
