Duration of the risk of infection | Duration of a cold

Duration of the risk of infection

The risk of infection with a cold can be divided into different periods and danger levels. A cold can be contagious during the incubation period, i.e. in the time when no symptoms appear yet. As soon as the cold has manifested itself and shows first signs, the risk of infection is highest.

Especially via droplet and smear infection is the danger of infection. For this reason, nasal and cough secretions should be collected as much as possible in a paper handkerchief, removed and kept away from other people. In addition, regular hand disinfection helps to pass on viruses via direct contact and thus also serves as a prevention against a cold for people in the immediate vicinity of the sick person.

The period in which the risk of infection is highest is about two to three days. This is followed by a further week during which the risk of infection continues to exist, but to a lesser extent than before. It is important to note that the risk of infection also lasts longer if the cold lasts longer. This is the case, for example, with multimorbid or immunocompromised patients or with newborns whose immune system has yet to learn its tasks.