During the fall and winter, experiencing a cough is very common. A cough can be a common symptom of various respiratory illnesses, but understanding whether your cough is contagious is important for preventing the spread of infection. The period of time that a cough is contagious depends on the underlying cause. Many different conditions can lead to a cough, however, respiratory infections such as the flu, the common cold, or COVID-19 are very common causes of coughs during the winter months.
In general, people with viral upper respiratory infections are most contagious during the first few days of showing symptoms, when the cough is often at its peak. Keep reading to learn more about what causes a cough and treatment options for coughs. If you’re suffering from a cough, AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch can help. Our walk-in urgent care clinic offers same-day illness diagnosis for coughs, 7 days a week. Simply walk in!
How to Diagnose a Cough
Coughs are one of the most common symptoms of viral infections such as colds and the flu. However, coughs can also be caused by allergies, exposure to cold or dry air, and general irritation in the throat. It can be very difficult to diagnose the underlying cause of a cough. However, there are a few signs that your cough is caused by an illness. If your cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, a fever, or a sore throat - you may have a viral infection. If your cough flares up when you go outside or seems to come and go, it is likely that your cough is caused by allergies or an environmental factor. In most cases, a cough will go away on its own, however, seeking medical care for a persistent cough will help you pinpoint the underlying cause so that you can effectively treat it and prevent the spread of your symptoms to others.
Are All Coughs Contagious?
Not all coughs are contagious. Only coughing that is caused by an illness is contagious. Coughs that are caused by an illness can spread from person to person very easily. If you have a cough, you likely are contagious while you have symptoms. It is important to self-isolate if you’re coughing to prevent spreading your illness to others. Coughing releases tiny particles that can spread illnesses through the air. Similarly, viral infections can spread through direct contact with a sick person, sharing food or drinks with someone who is sick, and touching the same surface as someone who is sick.
How to Prevent Spreading a Cough
Preventing the spread of a cough requires good hygiene and awareness of transmission risks. It also involves the following:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing, which can help contain respiratory droplets that carry germs.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based sanitizer minimizes the risk of transferring germs to surfaces or other people.
- Wearing a mask in public or around vulnerable individuals can provide an additional barrier.
- Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces, and avoid close contact with others.
Visit AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch for Same-Day Cough Diagnosis & Treatment
While most coughs are mild and resolve with proper care at home, you should always seek medical care for a cough so that you can determine if your cough is contagious. At AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch, our walk-in clinic makes it easy to diagnose the cause of your cough. Our on-site lab allows our medical providers to perform diagnostic testing to accurately diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your cough. Our clinic is open 7 days a week and accepts walk-in patients. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their medical care. Simply walk into the clinic for rapid care!
