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If you find yourself feeling under the weather this holiday season, help keep your friends and family safe!
According to NBC New York, here's how long you're contagious and should keep away from your loved ones:
- COVID
Incubation: 3-10 days (usually 4-6 days) - Contagious: Onset of symptoms until fever is gone and at least 10 days have passed
- If you're sick: Stay home, improve ventilation/air flow in your home, monitor symptoms and seek advice from your healthcare provider, wear a mask when other people are near, wash your hands (via CDC).
- FLU
Incubation: 1-4 days, average 2 - Contagious: One day before symptoms occur and up to 7-10 days after symptoms begin
- If you're sick: Stay home, avoid others, seek medical care if you are at a higher risk of complications. See emergency warning signs (chest pain, fever above 104, difficulty breathing, etc.) here.
- COMMON COLD
Incubation: 2-5 days - Contagious: Onset of runny nose until fever is gone
- If you're sick: Rest and drink plenty of fluids to flush our your system. Over the counter medicines may help with symptoms. See a doctor if your symptoms last more than 10 days, are severe or unusual, etc. Learn more here.
- RSV
Incubation: 2-8 days, average 4-6 days - Contagious: About one day prior to and throughout illness
- If you're sick: There is no specific treatment for RSV and most infections go away on their own. Manage fever and pain, drink plenty of fluids, talk to a healthcare provider (via CDC).
Stay safe and healthy this holiday season! Get more information here.