Question: Here’s a question timely for our fall cold season: How long after you are exposed to the cold virus will one catch a cold?

Answer: According to the National Institute of Health Medical Encyclopedia, once you have “caught” a cold, the symptoms usually begin in 2 or 3 days, though it may take a week.

People are most contagious for those first 2 to 3 days of a cold, and usually not contagious at all by day 7 to 10.

A cold usually runs its course in about 7 days, but symptoms can linger for another week. If it lasts longer consider another problem, such as a sinus infection or allergies.

The common cold generally involves a runny nose, nasal congestion and sneezing. A sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms can occur. Over 200 viruses can cause a cold.

Over one billion colds infect the United States each year, making it the most common reason that children miss school and adults miss work.

A runny nose is teeming with cold viruses. Sneezing, nose-blowing and nose-wiping spread the virus. You can catch a cold by inhaling the virus if you are sitting close to someone who sneezes, or by touching your nose, eyes, or mouth after touching something contaminated by the virus.
Linda Niemi

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