Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Cold And Flu Contagious?
Question: I'm a pediatric RN ( a new one)! I take care of 2 medically fragile babies in their homes. Both of them are sick (one is on a vent) with respiratory infections (upper) and are really having a hard time (desaturating on their pulse ox's and sometimes needing oxygen, LOTS of congestion, coughing, gagging but are afebrile). This past Monday I got sick with a "head cold" ( I had worked 60hrs in one week) with just congestion in my face and fatigue. I really didn't feel that bad. Well, Friday the 'cold" dropped into my chest and I'm coughing and wheezing. (my friend gave me her nebulizer and I took some albuterol...great stuff!) and I think my cold has now turned into bronchitis..........my question is.......I called in sick today fearful that I'd make my baby sicker........am I contagious?? I really don't feel that bad....but I have a terrible productive cough (afebrile) I called off today. These babies really need special care (respiratory/airway mainly) and there's no one avail to replace me right now. I'm scheduled tomorrow 12 hrs. I called off this morning. I have a ton of Keflex. Would that help protect the babies if I take that? Please advise and thank you!~ XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
you are contagious for 5-7 days after first sympt.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear!
I read carefully your problem and understand your concerns.
The symptoms you are having are due cold/flu both of them viral infections. In these conditions you are contagious up to 5-7 days after first symptoms appear.
If it has been 1 week since your first symptoms appear the risk of being contagious is low.
The symptoms you are having lately (productive cough) might be due to secondary bacterial infection after viral infection. If your sputum is yellow, green antibiotics may help.
To be prudent would be better to wait some more days before turning back to work because these babies due to their conditions are very susceptible to infection and every possible exposure should be avoided.
In your situation since they need assistance and no one can replace you I suggest to be careful and take some precautions.
-Start a course of antibiotics (cephalexin is Ok )
-Put a protective mask that covers your mouth and nose .
-Wash your hands carefully and apply some antiseptic solution on them.
-Avoid too close contact (as much as possible considering your job)
These steps will reduce the possibility of exposure for your babies.
Hope my answer helps.
Wish you quick and complete recovery for you and your babies because they need you.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena Murati
you are contagious for 5-7 days after first sympt.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear!
I read carefully your problem and understand your concerns.
The symptoms you are having are due cold/flu both of them viral infections. In these conditions you are contagious up to 5-7 days after first symptoms appear.
If it has been 1 week since your first symptoms appear the risk of being contagious is low.
The symptoms you are having lately (productive cough) might be due to secondary bacterial infection after viral infection. If your sputum is yellow, green antibiotics may help.
To be prudent would be better to wait some more days before turning back to work because these babies due to their conditions are very susceptible to infection and every possible exposure should be avoided.
In your situation since they need assistance and no one can replace you I suggest to be careful and take some precautions.
-Start a course of antibiotics (cephalexin is Ok )
-Put a protective mask that covers your mouth and nose .
-Wash your hands carefully and apply some antiseptic solution on them.
-Avoid too close contact (as much as possible considering your job)
These steps will reduce the possibility of exposure for your babies.
Hope my answer helps.
Wish you quick and complete recovery for you and your babies because they need you.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena Murati
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
One more question...Should I buy an over the counter cough suppressant? Do you think that will help if I'm just not coughing into the air (and sneezing)?...so I wouldn't have to wear a mask? or is just breathing bad in general? lol I think a mask might scare my little one.....but I will if it's necessary.
Thank you! XXXX
Thank you! XXXX
Brief Answer:
Cough suppressant is not recommended.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again Dear!
Since your cough is productive it is not recommended to take cough suppressant.This drugs are useful in dry cough but in your case the cough is reflective and help to eliminate secretions produced by inflammatory process in lungs.If we suppress this cough the secretions will accumulate in lungs causing further damage.
You can use over the counter decongestants (nasal spray) can help dry and clear nasal passages .Be careful and don't use this more then 3-4 days.
The babies can catch a cold from you if they came in contact with your secretions for ex if you cough without covering the mouth near them,or sneeze near and they inhale this air.
Just breathing near them is not enough to catch a cold because the virus is in your secretions not in the air.
If you can't wear the mask then be very careful.Don't sneeze or cough near the babies.If you feel you are going to sneeze or cough immediately go outside and then wash your hands with warm water before touching the children.
So just do your best to avoid a possible exposure of the babies to virus.
I am sure you will do all you can to protect your babies.
I appreciate all your concern about their health.You really care for them.
Wish you and your babies good luck.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena
Cough suppressant is not recommended.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again Dear!
Since your cough is productive it is not recommended to take cough suppressant.This drugs are useful in dry cough but in your case the cough is reflective and help to eliminate secretions produced by inflammatory process in lungs.If we suppress this cough the secretions will accumulate in lungs causing further damage.
You can use over the counter decongestants (nasal spray) can help dry and clear nasal passages .Be careful and don't use this more then 3-4 days.
The babies can catch a cold from you if they came in contact with your secretions for ex if you cough without covering the mouth near them,or sneeze near and they inhale this air.
Just breathing near them is not enough to catch a cold because the virus is in your secretions not in the air.
If you can't wear the mask then be very careful.Don't sneeze or cough near the babies.If you feel you are going to sneeze or cough immediately go outside and then wash your hands with warm water before touching the children.
So just do your best to avoid a possible exposure of the babies to virus.
I am sure you will do all you can to protect your babies.
I appreciate all your concern about their health.You really care for them.
Wish you and your babies good luck.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
