’Tis the season for sneezes, coughs and sniffles. If a cold or the flu hits your household, it’s best to stay away from other people while you rest and recover, but just how long does it take until you’re out of the danger zone?
Colds vs. flu: What’s the difference?
Although there is some overlap between symptoms, colds and flu are not the same. The common cold is usually much milder and comes on more slowly. While both can affect the sinuses and respiratory system, the more intense influenza symptoms often appear abruptly and can also include fever, muscle and body aches, chills, headache, noticeable fatigue and sometimes stomach upset. A cold can simply be a pesky inconvenience; a flu typically makes you feel a whole lot worse.
COVID-19 symptoms can sometimes mimic the flu, but it’s an entirely different — and highly contagious — virus with the potential to cause serious respiratory illness, especially if you haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine or recent booster. When in doubt, take a nasal swab test to see if you’re positive for the coronavirus.
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The (unwanted) gift that keeps on giving
Cold, flu or COVID-19 — all are contagious, so no matter what ailment you’re fighting, the best course of action is to isolate yourself from others as much as you can until you’re feeling better. According to the U.K.’s National Health Service, it’s possible for common cold sufferers to share the virus a couple of days before they even know they’re sick. However, the most contagious period is two to three days after symptoms appear, and you may remain contagious throughout the duration of the illness, which can sometimes last up to two weeks.
Likewise, the flu can spread starting from the day before symptoms emerge and throughout the next five to seven days that follow.
How to protect yourself
It’s often impossible to completely avoid contact with cold and flu viruses, especially in close quarters like schools and workplaces, but there are steps you can take to keep yourself as healthy as possible during the season. An annual flu shot is your best protection against the strains that are circulating each year. If someone in your inner circle is sick, try to avoid contact as much as possible, and consider wearing a mask if you’ll be spending time in a crowded environment during especially virulent periods of outbreaks. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, and try not to rub your nose or scratch your face after touching doorknobs, stair railings and elevator buttons, especially in high-traffic public areas.
Despite your best efforts, colds and flu can still happen. When you find yourself struck down, rest as much as you can and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Following comfort measures at home and taking over-the-counter medicines can help provide some welcome relief, but if symptoms are especially severe or get worse in a hurry, you should see your doctor for evaluation.
