Duration | Virus infection

Duration

Mild virus infections last on average 3 to 10 days. A flu-like infection can last differently from person to person. The duration also depends on accompanying diseases and the state of the immune system.

A viral infection can be the starting point for an additional bacterial infection. In this case, physicians speak of a superinfection/secondary infection. In such a case, the duration and course of the cold can be significantly prolonged.

A simple cold caused by viruses usually lasts no longer than a week. If there is a superinfection with bacteria, the duration of the illness can be prolonged and may last for several weeks. The duration will also be longer if you do not take enough care of yourself and start doing sports too early.

Course of disease

A simple viral infection such as a flu-like infection lasts on average one week in a healthy person. It takes about three days from the infection to the outbreak of the disease (incubation period). The pathogens, often rhinoviruses or adenoviruses, initially cause mild symptoms such as a scratchy throat or a runny nose.

The symptoms increase within two days and reach their strongest manifestation on the second or third day. After that, the symptoms subside somewhat more with each day. If a superinfection with bacteria occurs, the simple cold can become more complicated.

The pharyngeal tonsils, the eyes, the sinuses or the lungs can become inflamed. A superinfection can last several weeks and requires medical treatment. In the case of infections with more complex viruses, the course of the infection can vary and have consequences. This topic might be of interest to you: Complications of influenza

How contagious is a virus infection?

Not all viruses are equally contagious. Some are only transmitted through intensive contact (blood, sexual intercourse), others are so highly infectious that a stay in the same room is sufficient for infection. Other pathogens are transmitted through food or contaminated water. Viruses are undoubtedly contagious, but there are great differences between them.