Can a virus cold still be contagious after 5 days?

@Loen210 (1540)
United States
February 15, 2008 7:18pm CST
I have had a really bad cold (nurse said virus), and was bedridden all week. Though I am still recovering with many symptoms (sore throat, tired, headache, etc.). But can it STILL be CONTAGIOUS to anybody (esp. elderly people or those with weaker immune systems) now? I came down with it on February 10th. Today is the 15th. I have waited for an event that is tomorrow evening, and if I risk giving my good friend a cold, I'd have to wear a mask the whole evening. But would rather if there is a risk. I can't find a good website that answers this. Tomorrow evening will be the 6th day. Any pro advice or medical website links would be appreciated. Thanks!
3 responses
Bala
@balasri (26537)
• India
16 Feb 08
From the time a cold virus enters the nose, it takes 8-12 hours for the viral reproductive cycle to be completed and for new cold virus to be released in nasal secretions. http://www.commoncold.org/undrstn3.htm is a good site.
Bala
@balasri (26537)
• India
16 Feb 08
Thanks and let us interact very often.Happy mylotting.
Loen210
@Loen210 (1540)
• United States
16 Feb 08
Oh hoorah! And thanks a million. I do hope that it is correct. I could have sworn it was contagious for longer than 8-12 HOURS though. I appreciate your quick response very much! :o)
etavasi
@etavasi (749)
• Malaysia
16 Feb 08
no but i think, you will fast recover by taking a hot shower and drink lot of water and eat orange
Loen210
@Loen210 (1540)
• United States
16 Feb 08
Thanks so much for getting back. I do hope not. I have also been taking hot showers, drinking LOTS of water, and having vitamin C (and also ginger tea!). I appreciate your response.
shymurl
@shymurl (2765)
• United States
16 Feb 08
If you are taking antibiotics for it, it is not contagious after the first two days. You should be in the clear.
Loen210
@Loen210 (1540)
• United States
16 Feb 08
Thank you for getting back to me! But the nurse said that there was no antibiotic or treatment for it. That it was just rest and get better. I assumed that it would be gone by now, but realized about the slight possibility or me passing it on? Thanks!