Is one already contagious during the incubation period? | Incubation period for a cold

Is one already contagious during the incubation period?

The simple answer to this question is: Yes! Even during the incubation period, when the infected persons themselves do not yet show any symptoms, they are already infectious. Therefore, there is a risk of infection two to seven days before the first symptoms appear. During the cold period, general hygiene should be observed and hands should be washed regularly with soap. Learn more about the duration of the infection: How long is a cold contagious?

How do I smother the germ during the incubation period?

The best way to protect yourself from a cold sounds simple: don’t catch it in the first place. The best way to do this is to wash your hands regularly, avoid shaking hands and keep a safe distance from sick people. However, if you suspect that you have been infected, it is best to strengthen the body’s own defense system.

Zinc helps to kill viruses in the body and at the same time supports the immune system in its fight against the pathogens. Salt water solutions, applied by gargling or in the form of nasal showers, also help to nip a cold in the bud or at least to alleviate it. The salt water attacks the pathogens on the mucous membranes and simultaneously moistens the nose and throat, thus strengthening the natural barrier function.

Other proven household remedies for colds are onions and garlic. Both have an antibacterial effect and kill viruses. It is best to enjoy the vegetables raw, as the healing effect is lost when they are cooked.

Is the incubation period in babies or children different than in adults?

In contrast to adults, babies and small children do not yet have a fully functional immune system, which is why they fall ill much more often. The incubation period depends on the type of pathogen and the infection dose, as well as the strength of the immune system.Since especially newborns and very young children have a very weak immune system, the incubation period can be shorter than in adults. Usually the incubation period for a common cold is a few hours to a few days.