Is bronchitis contagious?
You get acute bronchitis the same way you get cold and flu viruses: by getting a virus inside your body, usually by breathing it in or passing it from your hands to your mouth, nose, or eyes. Viruses get into the air and onto surfaces after someone who is sick coughs, blows their nose, sneezes, or sometimes even just breathes.
To keep from getting bronchitis, try not to be in close contact with people who have cold or flu-like symptoms. Wash your hands regularly, and don’t touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.
The flu can cause bronchitis. That’s why it’s smart to get your flu shot every year.
If you have bronchitis, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough, and wash your hands often to avoid getting someone else sick.
Make an appointment if:
Is Bronchitis Contagious?
In this article
- Is Bronchitis Contagious?
- How Long Before I Know I Have It?
- How Long Will I Be Contagious?
- How Is Bronchitis Spread?
- When Should I See a Doctor?
How Is Bronchitis Spread?
You get acute bronchitis the same way you get cold and flu viruses: by getting a virus inside your body, usually by breathing it in or passing it from your hands to your mouth, nose, or eyes. Viruses get into the air and onto surfaces after someone who is sick coughs, blows their nose, sneezes, or sometimes even just breathes.
To keep from getting bronchitis, try not to be in close contact with people who have cold or flu-like symptoms. Wash your hands regularly, and don’t touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.
The flu can cause bronchitis. That’s why it’s smart to get your flu shot every year.
If you have bronchitis, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough, and wash your hands often to avoid getting someone else sick.
When Should I See a Doctor?
Make an appointment if:
- You’ve been coughing for more than 3 weeks. That can be a sign that you have chronic bronchitis, asthma, or another problem that needs regular medical care.
- You’re really uncomfortable or are coughing so hard that you can’t sleep.
- You have a fever over 100.4 F.
- You’re wheezing or feel like you can’t breathe.
- There’s blood in the mucus you cough up, or you have other symptoms that seem unusual for a cold.
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