viruses

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — How can someone know if they are a carrier of infection? What is the average period during which it can transmit infection to others, for viruses such as Corona, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, or the common cold? What precautions should an infected person take at school, work, and home?

This is what CNN medical expert Dr. Lena Wen, an emergency physician and professor of health policy and management at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, who previously served as the health commissioner of the US city of Baltimore, said.

CNN: Is there an easy way to tell if someone is contagious after having a viral infection?

Dr. Lena Wen: Actually no. For many viruses, an infected person may be contagious even before symptoms begin to appear.

There are some tests that may tell you that you are infected with the virus, but they are not sufficient after infection. The only exception is Covid-19. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person whose symptoms improve and whose result is negative after two coronavirus tests at home 48 hours apart can end isolation.

One of the more complex factors is that many people may continue to suffer from symptoms after the infection period ends, such as coughing, but these do not reflect ongoing infection or risk to others.

CNN: On average, how long can someone spread the virus to others if they have common viruses like coronavirus, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, or the common cold?

Dr. Lena Wen: Let’s go over each of these. The virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) can be spread by infected individuals who do not exhibit common symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, and sore throat. This person, like the person with symptoms, may also be contagious.

Scientists estimate that the maximum infectious period for SARS-CoV-2 is within 48 hours before symptoms appear and then in the first five days after that. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that a person with COVID-19 isolate themselves for five days, then wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others for the next five days, unless they test negative with two consecutive tests.

For influenza, asymptomatic transmission is likely less common. While it may spread before symptoms appear, the period of maximum contagion is thought to be three to four days after the illness begins.

Respiratory syncytial virus has a longer infectious period. People infected with RSV, a very common respiratory infection thought to infect almost every child before the age of 2, are usually contagious for three to eight days after symptoms appear, and transmission is possible before symptoms appear as well, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention., Some infants and immunocompromised people can continue to spread the virus for up to four weeks after symptoms stop showing.

As for the common cold, there are more than 200 viruses that can cause it. The duration of infection depends on the virus and the health of the infected individual, but generally follows a pattern similar to other viruses.

CNN: With such long periods of potential infection, what precautions should people with cold-like symptoms take at school and workplaces?

Dr. Lena Wen: Schools and workplaces have long recognized that it is unrealistic to ask people to stay home until the period in which they can transmit infection has passed. Even if they have policies requiring people to stay out of school or work until, say, two or even four weeks after symptoms disappear, there will still be viral spread due to asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic transmission.

Since children experience an average of six cases of viral respiratory infections per year, and adults two to four, this type of policy would lead to many absences, affecting children’s learning and development.

CNN: What should people do to reduce transmission to those they live with?

Dr. Lena Wen: This is difficult. Parents of young children know that they often get sick when their children do because it is very difficult to avoid infection when you are in close contact with them.

The key is to identify the people in the household who are most at risk of serious consequences if they become infected with these viruses. If someone is elderly and has serious medical conditions, it makes sense to separate the affected person from that person. These two people should not eat together or be in the same room for at least a week after symptoms start.

It is very difficult to avoid this viral infection, but I want to emphasize that preventive methods do work. Wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer frequently. And make sure you receive your vaccines regularly, including the updated COVID-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine, and the new RSV vaccine for those 60 and older. Crucially, these vaccines reduce the risk of serious illness and reduce the chance of you becoming infected with these specific viruses.

2023-10-20 08:49:35

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