Last Reviewed:April 19, 2023 by Gabrielle Marks
When Is Bronchitis Contagious? Bronchitis is contagious during the period that the infection is still active. Acute bronchitis caused by a virus is the most contagious during the first few days, if a fever is present, and as long as a cough persists. [1]
Some Causes of Bronchitis Are Contagious, Some Are Not
Bronchitis is a swelling in the bronchial tubes that leads to mucus collecting in the lungs and has a variety of causes. Bronchitis that is contagious is caused by either a virus or bacteria. Smoking, pollutants, or irritants can also cause bronchitis. This type of bronchitis is not contagious. [2]
You Can’t Actually “Catch” Bronchitis
Up to ninety-five percent of bronchitis cases are caused by viral infections, most frequently those associated with the cold and flu. [3] Acute bronchitis is a complication that can arise from these viruses if they move into the bronchial tubes. [4] Therefore, it is not bronchitis that is actually contagious, but the virus that causes bronchitis.
How Bronchitis Spreads
Just like any illness caused by a virus, those that cause bronchitis can be spread through contact or through germs that travel through the air. You can contract the virus by spending time with an ill person, especially if that person is running a fever. The virus that caused bronchitis in the infected individual can be spread through coughs, sneezing, or contact with an object handled by someone suffering from the illness. The best defense against spreading bronchitis is to wash your hands thoroughly and cover all coughs with a tissue. [5]
While Running a Fever
Fever may accompany an illness such as bronchitis and is a sign that the body is actively attempting to fight off the virus. If fever is a symptom of your bronchitis, you should stay at home until the fever breaks. Confining yourself to bed during this highly contagious stage of bronchitis will also allow you to rest and recover more quickly. [6] It is best to wait at least 24 hours after your fever breaks before you return to regular activities. [7]
As Long as Coughing Persists
Because most viruses are spread through aerosols, anyone suffering from bronchitis where the infection is still active is still contagious as long as they are coughing or sneezing. According to the Centers for Disease Control, aerosols can spread up to six feet away to infect another person. [8] Make sure that you take precautions to protect other people from your coughs and sneezes so that you do not spread the illness among your friends and colleagues. Wash your hands often, and do not share items such as drinking cups or silverware until your cough has completely gone away. Depending on the virus, it can continue to survive on contaminated surfaces for several hours, so it is important to clean your hands often.
Glossary of Terms
Acute Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the major airways into the lungs. It may be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses. Acute bronchitis can last from a few days to 10 days. But the cough that comes with acute bronchitis may last for several weeks after the infection has gone.
American Lung Association
Aerosols: a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Bronchial Tubes: Large, delicate tubes that carry air into the tiny branches and smaller cells of the lungs after this air has passed through the mouth, nasal passages, and windpipe (trachea).
University of Southern California
Expert Opinion
Quote: “In otherwise healthy people, most cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viral infections – which can spread from person to person through direct and indirect contact. To reduce the risk of “catching” bronchitis, wash your hands often or use hand sanitizers regularly. It’s also helpful to get an annual flu vaccination. Many cases of acute bronchitis result from influenza.”
Source: James M. Steckelberg, M.D.
Acute bronchitis: Is it contagious? WebMD
Resources
[1] Jennifer Shu, MD, WebMD,
When Is Bronchitis no Longer Contagious? Baby’s First Year Community – Support Group.
http://forums.webmd.com/3/newborn-and-baby-exchange/forum/7572/2.
February 20, 2013
[2] eMedicinehealth.com
Is Bronchitis Contagious?
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bronchitis/page2_em.htm
February 20, 2013
[3] American Family Physician, WILLIAM J. HUESTON, M.D
Acute Bronchitis
http://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/0315/p1270.html
February 20, 2013
[4] WebMD
Common Cold Complications
http://www.webmd.boots.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/common-cold-complications
February 20, 2013
[5] National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Common Cold Prevention
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/commoncold/pages/prevention.aspx
February 20, 2013
[6] US National Library of Medicine
Fever
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003090.htm
February 20, 2013
[7] Centers for Disease Control
How Long Should I Stay Home If I’m Sick?
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm
February 20, 2013
[8] Centers for Disease Control
How the Flu Spreads
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm
February 20, 2013
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