Wondering if you're contagious? NHS GP Dr Suraj Kukadia has the answer, and it's not as complicated as you might think. "How long is someone contagious after a viral infection?", he asked posting to TikTok @doctorsooj . "As a doctor, this is a really common question I get asked.
The length of time that you're contagious typically depends on the type of virus involved." Using chickenpox as an example, Dr Kukadia said you can often spread the infection a couple of days before you start to feel unwell or notice a rash. You'll then be contagious for around five days until these lesions have vanished.
For the flu , Dr Kukadia mentioned that people can start spreading the virus about a day before snuffling, coughing or sneezing. This may be contagious for approximately five to seven days after, but it may be longer if your immune system is very weak. In the case of Covid-19 , even fully vaccinated individuals who don't show symptoms or have had the virus previously can be infectious for five to 10 days .
Dr Kukadia continued: "As for the common cold, most people are contagious from a few days before their symptoms appear until their symptoms are fully resolved. Most people will be contagious for up to two weeks." But what about those coughs that don't seem to be linked with any other symptoms? Believe it or not, there are various types of cough that aren't contagious at all, according to MedicineNet .
This particularly includes a persistent 'chronic cough' that lingers for more tha.