MLB Stars Get Massive Contracts But Few Endorsements. Hereâs Why. Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Michael Saunders (left) is congratulated by third baseman Josh Donaldson as he scores against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, April 3, 2016.
However, the viruses that cause colds (for example, rhinoviruses) are not the same as those that cause the flu (influenza viruses). Although the typical incubation period for influenza is about one to four days, some adults can be contagious from about one day before onset of symptoms for up to two weeks. Other people who develop complications, such as pneumonia, may extend the contagious period for a week or two. For colds, most individuals become contagious about a day before cold symptoms develop and remain contagious for about five to seven days.
How Long is a Cold Contagious? Colds are most contagious 2 to 4 days after your symptoms first develop. However, the virus can live in your body and spread to others for up to three weeks. That's right, you could spread your cold virus germs even after you feel better. Most cold last for about a week but it's possible to spread the virus long after that.