Claudann Jones Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Claudann Jones Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Whether the flu or a cold, you may wonder if you or your kids are contagious and how long everyone should stay home from work or school to prevent an outbreak. Whether a child or an adult, Dr. Alison Pittman, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing, gives some basic guidelines on how to tell if you should stay home with a short-term, possibly contagious illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people with the flu to stay home until 24 hours after they are fever free without the use of a fever-reducing medication. “Depending on your place of work, you may need to check company policy,” Pittman said. “For example, many health care settings require their employees to stay home seven days after the onset of symptoms.”

Pittman notes individuals with the flu can be contagious for up to three weeks after the onset of symptoms. “In many cases, just because you or your children are fever free and can return to work or school does not mean you are no longer contagious. Proper handwashing goes a long way to prevent the spread of germs.” The same rules apply even if you have taken a flu antiviral drug like Tamiflu. Stay home until you are fever free for 24 hours without the help of a fever-reducing medication.

How long am I contagious after a cold?

“Most people are contagious with a cold a day before they notice symptoms until about a week after the onset of symptoms,” Pittman said. “The CDC’s recommendation is to stay home until you are fever free for 24 hours without the help of a fever reducer.” Because you are still contagious after the fever subsides, Pittman emphasizes the importance of handwashing and taking extra care to contain your cough or sneeze.