Q & A From Mayo Health Oasis

Q: If I get the flu or a cold, how long am I contagious?

A: Flu is spread by airborne particles and is contagious for about 3 to 5 days after symptoms appear. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, extreme fatigue and, sometimes, a runny nose and sore throat. MORE

Colds are spread through contact with mucus or saliva. The virus is contagious a day before you start to show signs of a cold, such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes or body discomfort. You're contagious as long as symptoms last--about 1 to 2 weeks.

Reprinted with permission from Mayo Health Oasis, a project of the Mayo Clinic. Visit the Mayo Health Oasis Web site for further information and advice on health issues.

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