How long does the infectious period last for influenza, chickenpox and other diseases?

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

It is useful to know so as not to catch an infection or infect loved ones if you yourself get sick.

Here are the data on various infectious diseases, which are cited by the UK National Health Service.

Bronchitis

It all depends on the cause of bronchitis. Most often, it develops due to the same viruses that cause the common cold and flu. Therefore, you can infect others while you have symptoms of these diseases.

Cold

She can infect others for a few days before the onset of symptoms and until they disappear completely. This is usually about two weeks. Symptoms are most pronounced in the first two to three days of illness. It is at this time that the risk of infecting others is especially high.

Flu

Influenza is most contagious within three to seven days of the onset of symptoms. In children and people with reduced immunity, the infectious period can last several days longer.

Chickenpox

It is contagious as early as a day or two before the rash appears. And the infectious period lasts until all the blisters are crusted. This usually happens five to six days after the rash first appears.

Infectious mononucleosis

This acute viral illness can be contracted during the incubation period. It continues from the entry of the virus into the body until the first symptoms appear. In the case of mononucleosis, this is two to four weeks.

In some people, the virus persists in saliva for several months after they recover. And sometimes it appears intermittently in saliva for several years.

Measles

Measles symptoms appear about 10 days after infection. It is especially contagious after the first symptoms appear, but before the rash develops.

The first symptoms of measles are fever, redness of the eyes, sensitivity to light, signs of a cold (runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids). After two to four days, a rash appears in the form of reddish-brown spots. They usually go away after about a week.

Piggy

In mumps, the salivary glands near the ears swell. The infectious period begins a few days before the onset of symptoms and continues for several more days after recovery.

Rubella

It is contagious as early as a week before the rash appears. After that, the infectious period lasts another three to four days. Stay home for a week after the rash occurs to avoid infecting others. And try not to contact pregnant women.

Shingles

The contagious period lasts from the first appearance of the rash until the last vesicle heals. This usually happens after 10-14 days.