Is Strep Throat Contagious?
By Julianna Hallyburton
The short answer is yes. Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus, a highly contagious bacteria often found in the throat and nose of an infected person. Common symptoms of strep throat include fever, sore throat, pain with swallowing, red/swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, and white areas on the tonsils. Infected individuals spread the very contagious Group A strep bacteria to others through respiratory droplets or close contact. Talking, coughing, and sneezing can spread the bacteria through respiratory droplets containing Group A strep bacteria. Unaffected individuals can breathe in these respiratory droplets, touch something containing the respiratory droplets and then touch their mouth or nose, or even use the same unwashed plate, utensil or glass as an infected individual. Individuals with strep throat can also have infected sores on their skin that other people can get sick from if they come in contact with bacteria containing fluid.
According to the CDC, to limit the spread of this bacteria, people should wash their hands often with soap, and avoid touching their mouth/nose. Infected individuals should stay at home until they no longer have a fever and have taken antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider for at least 12-24 hours. Infected individuals should wear a mask when coming into contact with individuals, so that their respiratory droplets do not spread the bacteria.
How Long Does the Flu Last?
People can recover in a range of a few days to less than two weeks. The onset of symptoms from the flu are abrupt and include a fever lasting 3-4 days, body aches, chills, fatigue, sore throat, and others. Symptoms may manifest differently in individuals, and some people may not present with a fever. Most people are able to recover from the flu within a few days to two weeks. Sometimes, however, further complications can arise as a result of the flu. Moderate complications include sinus and ear infections which can last for a few days, and may possibly need antibiotics to get better. Other more severe complications include pneumonia, a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Recovering from pneumonia can depend on the person and type of pneumonia. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for pneumonia caused by bacteria, but this does not work well against viral pneumonia. Antiviral medication may be used along with symptom management and rest.
To prevent the flu, individuals should stay up to date on their vaccines against viral and bacterial infections. A list of recommended vaccines from the CDC can be found here. Continue to practice preventive techniques such as washing hands, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and refraining from touching your face.
Is Bronchitis Contagious?
By Ellie Marotta
The answer is yes and no. Bronchitis occurs when the airways that lead to the lungs become inflamed and fill with mucus. This causes a cough that can persist for days to weeks, along with wheezing, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Acute bronchitis, which is short-term, is not contagious on its own. However, acute bronchitis is caused by cold and flu viruses. These viruses ARE contagious, especially in the beginning stages where symptoms like coughing and sneezing spread the virus.
If the airways remain inflamed for long periods of time, then bronchitis becomes chronic. Chronic bronchitis is not contagious on its own, but people may have episodes of acute bronchitis where symptoms get worse due to contagious respiratory infections. Chronic bronchitis is more common among smokers and can cause people to get lung infections more easily.
To prevent bronchitis, avoid smoking, wash hands frequently, get yearly flu vaccinations, and treat underlying lung conditions like asthma early on.
Is Pneumonia Contagious?
By Ellie Marotta
The answer is yes and no. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, where the air sacs in the lungs become filled with fluid and pus. It can affect one lung or both lungs; it is called double pneumonia when both lungs are affected. Pneumonia is categorized by which pathogen causes it: viruses, bacteria, or fungi. In general, pneumonia is not contagious, but the viruses and bacteria that cause it are.
Viral Pneumonia: Viruses that lead to the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, and RSV can cause pneumonia. Symptoms tend to be milder for viral pneumonia and patients are not given antibiotics. As symptoms go away, especially fever, the person is no longer contagious.
Bacterial Pneumonia: Infection with streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria is the most common cause of pneumonia, which is also known as pneumococcal pneumonia. This bacteria lives in the upper respiratory tract and can be spread through coughing or close contact. Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria cause walking pneumonia, where symptoms are generally milder. People with bacterial pneumonia are no longer contagious 48 hours after taking antibiotics.
Fungal Pneumonia: Fungi like cryptococcus and coccidioides are less common causes of pneumonia. It is caused by inhaling spores or other fungal particles from the environment. People who are immunocompromised are most at risk for fungal pneumonia. It is not contagious and is treated using antifungal medications.
To reduce the risk of getting pneumonia, wash hands often, refrain from smoking, and get vaccinated for viruses like COVID-19 and the flu.