It's October, almost the end of the hot and humid summer, and if you look around, you'll already start noticing many experiencing and struggling with stuffy nose, scratchy or sore throat, constant sneezing, and watery eyes. Seasonal changes are one of the most common triggers of common cold and flu. They do not directly cause the conditions, but support an environment where the viruses and bacteria thrive.
Developing a cold may not be dangerous, but the symptoms can be quite distressing and may last a few days or a week. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Anantha Padmanabha, Consultant-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru, discusses its incubation period and the time period for which you can be contagious.
Also Read: How To Know If Your Child Suffers From Common Cold Or Respiratory Syncytial Virus?
What Is The Incubation Period For Cold?
The incubation period is the time from infection or exposure to the virus or bacteria to the onset of symptoms. If you’re infected with a cold, the incubation period could be anywhere between 1-3 days, says Dr Padmanabha.
Some of the common symptoms of a cold include:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Body aches
Most of these symptoms can also seem similar to a flu or a COVID-19 infection. As far as cold and flu infection go, some of the differentiating factors, according to Dr Padmanabha, include:
- Cold has a gradual onset; the flu comes on suddenly.
- Cold symptoms are milder with runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, while the flu includes high fever, body aches, fatigue, and dry cough.
- Colds last a few days to a week; the flu can last longer and may be more severe.
- The flu can lead to serious complications like pneumonia.
Difference between a cold and COVID-19 infection include:
- People with COVID-19 can develop symptoms around 5–6 days after exposure; for cold, it is 2-3 days.
- Most people with a cold experience mild to moderate symptoms; COVID can cause more severe complications.
How Long Are You Contagious With The Infection?
If you’re infected with a cold, you can be contagious for about 1-2 days before symptoms appear and up to 5-7 days after symptoms start.
According to Dr Padmanabha, the most contagious period is usually in the first 2-3 days. Cold symptoms peak at 1-3 days, which is when you're the most contagious. It is important to self-isolate from other healthy individuals to avoid the spread of the virus.
Also Read: Signs That Indicate Common Cold Is More Serious
Precautions To Take
Some of the necessary precautions to take against infectious diseases include:
- Frequent hand hands often with soap for 20 seconds
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Staying away from sick individuals and staying home if you're ill
- Regularly disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces
- Getting annual flu vaccines
- Resting and staying hydrated if you're sick
Conclusion
With Winter nearly at our doorstep, it is important to raise our guards against the pathogens that attack our immune system. Changing seasons often give rise to infectious illnesses, which is why taking precautionary measures are necessary. If you’re already under the weather, ensure that you avoid contact with others, especially the elderly and young children. Wear face masks if you go outside and follow proper hand hygiene, particularly if you come in contact with frequently touched objects and surfaces.