It’s officially the season of holiday gatherings — and unfortunately, the spread of germs. From COVID-19 and the flu to RSV and norovirus (the infamous “stomach bug”), plenty of illnesses make the rounds this time of year. But how long are you actually contagious once you get sick?
According to Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno, director of infection prevention and control at Children’s Medical Center Plano, cases of RSV, COVID-19, and flu are already on the rise in many areas. On top of that, surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests a late winter wave of COVID-19 is likely, as seasonal peaks are starting later than in previous years.
Still, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect yourself and others, including:
Staying up to date on vaccinations (for flu, COVID-19, and other recommended immunizations)
Washing your hands frequently (especially before eating and after using the restroom)
Practicing social distancing when possible
Using disinfectants to clean high-touch surfaces
But if you do end up feeling under the weather, here’s what you need to know about how long you may be contagious — and when it’s safe to be around other people again.
How Long Is COVID-19 Contagious?
Contagious period:
You can spread COVID-19 1–2 days before symptoms start and up to 8–10 days after symptoms begin, according to the CDC.
Transmission risk is especially high during the first few days of symptom onset and the 1–2 days before symptoms appear.
Asymptomatic individuals can also pass the virus to others.
Common COVID-19 symptoms in 2024 (which may vary by vaccination status) include:
Cough
Congestion or runny nose
Diarrhea
Fever or chills
Shortness of breath
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Fatigue
Testing and isolation guidelines:
Experts recommend getting tested rather than self-diagnosing. Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News medical contributor, notes it’s impossible to tell COVID-19 apart from other respiratory illnesses like flu or a cold without testing.
You do not have to wait for a negative test to end isolation. The CDC’s simplified guidelines suggest you can resume normal activities once you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication) and your symptoms have improved.
After this period, it’s wise to take extra precautions — such as wearing a mask and social distancing — for another five days to help protect others.
How Long Is the Flu Contagious?
Contagious period:
Influenza viruses can usually be detected from about one day before symptoms start to 5–7 days after you get sick.
You’re often most contagious during the first three days of your illness.
Young children and immunocompromised individuals may be contagious longer.
Isolation guidelines:
Following the CDC’s most recent advice, you can end isolation once you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication and your symptoms have improved.
Antiviral medications (such as Tamiflu) can help lessen symptoms, but they don’t necessarily shorten how long you might spread the virus.
Continue to monitor your fever and symptoms.
How Long Is Norovirus (Stomach Bug) Contagious?
Contagious period:
Norovirus (often called the “stomach flu”) usually clears up within 1–3 days, but you can continue to spread the virus for at least two weeks after you feel better.
The virus can also survive on surfaces for weeks, meaning it can infect others long after symptoms have stopped.
How it spreads:
Norovirus is primarily transmitted via vomit or fecal matter, so hand-washing is crucial.
Bleach-based cleaners are typically required to inactivate the virus on surfaces.
If someone in your household is sick, regularly disinfect the bathroom and other high-touch areas.
How Long Is RSV Contagious?
Contagious period:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is generally contagious for 3–8 days, starting about a day or two before symptoms appear.
Infants and people with weakened immune systems may remain contagious for 4 weeks or more, even if they no longer have symptoms.
Isolation guidelines:
Similar to COVID-19 and flu guidelines: You can typically stop isolation once you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and your symptoms have improved.
How Long Is Pneumonia Contagious?
Contagious period:
Pneumonia can be bacterial, viral, or even fungal. Generally, if your pneumonia is bacterial, you’re often less contagious 24 hours after starting effective antibiotics, as long as you’re also fever-free without medication.
If your pneumonia is viral (like certain viral pneumonias caused by influenza), follow similar guidelines as flu or COVID-19:
No fever for 24 hours (without medication)
Symptoms are improving
How Long Is the Common Cold Contagious?
Contagious period:
You’re typically most contagious during the first three days of cold symptoms.
However, you can still pass a cold to others for up to two weeks, including one or two days before you even notice symptoms.
Prevention tips:
The same rules for hand-washing and avoiding close contact apply.
Common colds are often caused by rhinoviruses, which are highly contagious even if the symptoms are relatively mild.
Staying Healthy This Holiday Season
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and other frequently handled items with a CDC-approved disinfectant.
Consider Wearing a Mask
If you’re symptomatic — or if you’re around someone who’s high-risk — wearing a mask can reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
Get Vaccinated
Stay up to date on all recommended vaccines, including annual flu shots and COVID-19 boosters.
Follow Isolation Guidelines
If you’re sick, remember the 24-hour fever-free rule and improved symptoms benchmark before returning to work or social events.
Stay Informed
Keep an eye on the CDC website and your local health department’s guidance, as recommendations can change based on current outbreaks and seasonal trends.
By understanding how long you’re contagious and when it’s safe to resume normal activities, you can help reduce the spread of infections this holiday season. Taking simple preventive steps like regular hand-washing, staying home when you’re sick, and following the latest CDC guidance can go a long way toward keeping everyone healthy and happy.