when are you most contagious with a cold

People with a cold are most contagious in the first 2 to 3 days after symptoms start, which is when symptoms are usually at their worst. However, a cold can be contagious up to two weeks, including one to two days before symptoms appear and while symptoms such as cough and runny nose linger. During this peak contagious period, the risk of spreading the virus to others is highest through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. The contagious period typically lasts about a week, but some symptoms and contagion can persist longer.