How Long Is a Cold Contagious?

How Long Is a Cold Contagious? The period of contagiousness continues five to seven days after your symptoms begin, even if the symptoms have subsided. This means that during cold and flu season, those who don't even know they have the cold virus can spread it to you. You can encounter someone with a cold and go a day before symptoms begin. Around the time you experience light symptoms, you're contagious. Symptoms include having a low-grade fever, body aches, headaches, sore throat, cough, or nasal congestion. The common cold is transmitted through air particles. To prevent the common cold, be sure to get enough sleep, eat a diet full of fresh vegetables, and wash your hands often.