What is known about the contagious period for the common cold? How
long is it? What symptoms of the cold may still be present even though
the contagious period has passed?

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Clarification of Question by mikedr-ga on 21 Feb 2005 15:36 PST

Daedalus,

I am still unsure whether my symptoms suggest that I am contagious. I
am now 13 days since my cold began, and I still have a vigorous cough.
I feel otherwise healthy. To repeat the last sentence of my original
question: What symptoms of the cold may still be present even though
the contagious period has passed?

Also, I am interested to know your qualifications.

Mike

The Common Cold incubation period is normally 1 to 4 days and the
contagious period is normally 3 to 5 days from the onset of symptoms

Thank you Daedalus1947-ga,

I ask this because as I come off a cold, I cough occassionally for
about a week as my lungs clear. These coughs can be strong enough to
throw my back out. The strength of this cough makes people think I am
contagious. Would this add anything to your comments?

Also, do you have medical qualifications?

Mike Drainie

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000678.htm

On this site, they state that "... People are most contagious for the
first 2 to 3 days of a cold, and usually not contagious at all by day
7 to 10."