How Long Does Bronchitis Remain Contagious In A Person?

Posted on Tue, 20 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 20 May 2014 Answered on

Sat, 7 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have bronchitis - probably the first time I have had it. I started getting sick last Wednesday with a mild cough and chest pain. By Friday, the cough worsened dramatically and is unlike any cough I've had. Was miserable all weekend. I was officially diagnosed with bronchitis today and I started antibiotics this evening. How long am I contagious? I was at work for most of last Wednesday & Thursday. Worked 1 hour on Friday and 5 hours today. Do I need to notify my office of this since I was at work during a time I assume I was contagious.

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
please take rest for 4-5 days

Detailed Answer:
Hello

You will be infective for 4-5 days after starting the antibiotics and i would like you to take rest for that time.

Although the cough may continue for a week but you will not be infective and can resume work

You don't need to notify the office, as it is unlikely that you will spread the infection. However I would really like you to take rest for at least a week , so that your body can fight the infection and you can recover completely.

Please take all your medicines correctly and on time, i would also like you to take steam inhalation 2-3 times a day , it will help reduce the infection.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (13 hours later)

My doctor said I should only be contagious through today, but based on how I am feeling, I think it may be several days more before I feel even half-way decent. Just started Levaquin last night and one or two doses is not going to make much of a difference.

Was I contagious when all this started last week? Was coughing my heart out at work yesterday, but I assume they do not need to sterilize anything.

Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you were contagious

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Most of the infection which causes cough and affects the airway spreads by droplets and considering this , you were contagious as soon as your cough had started.

However these droplets dont have much bacterial load and will not harm any person with normal immunity , hence there is no need to sterilize anything.
Please dont worry.

Please give some time for the antibiotic to act , at least 2-3 days , you will definitely do well and be fine !!

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj