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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Is Cold Or Flu Contagious?

One of my coworkers told me that he often ends up with pneumonia and/or bronchitis after a bout of cold or flu. He demanded us (his coworkers) not to come to work when sick with cold or flu. However, when I looked up information on cold or flu, one can be contagious 1 day or 2 days before exhibiting symptoms and 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. I have tried to explain to him and to our Director, but they don t agree and said that anyone can chide anyone when coming to work sick. How must I explain to them that it is everyone s responsibility to maintain a good immune-systems instead of expecting all coworkers come to work 100% healthy?
Tue, 22 May 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Cold and flu have different periods of contagiousness and different degrees of virulence. People with influenza should not go to work because of the seriousness of this type of infection, both for themselves and others. A cold on the other hand isn't usually as virulent, and if you practice good hygiene at work such as not sneezing without covering, and if your coworker practices good prevention measures, specifically not touching his eyes or nose (unless he has just immediately before thoroughly washed or alcohol gelled his hands AND THEN TOUCHED NOTHING ELSE) then the chances of his getting the cold are markedly decreased. However you shouldn't come to work with a cold if you have a fever.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Long Is Cold Or Flu Contagious?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Cold and flu have different periods of contagiousness and different degrees of virulence. People with influenza should not go to work because of the seriousness of this type of infection, both for themselves and others. A cold on the other hand isn t usually as virulent, and if you practice good hygiene at work such as not sneezing without covering, and if your coworker practices good prevention measures, specifically not touching his eyes or nose (unless he has just immediately before thoroughly washed or alcohol gelled his hands AND THEN TOUCHED NOTHING ELSE) then the chances of his getting the cold are markedly decreased. However you shouldn t come to work with a cold if you have a fever. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.