Cold. A cold often starts with a runny nose and sore throat, followed by coughing and sneezing. You're contagious a day or two before this starts and for as long as you feel sick, usually a week or two.

How long is a cold infectious to others?

The common cold is infectious from a few days before your symptoms appear until all of the symptoms are gone. Most people will be infectious for around 2 weeks. Symptoms are usually worse during the first 2 to 3 days, and this is when you're most likely to spread the virus.

Can you transmit common cold?

Viruses that cause colds can spread from infected people to others through the air and close personal contact. You can also get infected through contact with stool (poop) or respiratory secretions from an infected person.