Your child has caught a cold and you took him to a doctor. In the district clinic you tasted the delights of the state medicine, for example, long hours of waiting, and also defended an endless line consisting mostly of sneezing and coughing people. It is quite natural that you are concerned with the question of whether bronchitis is contagious. Consider another option - this diagnosis was put to you. Is it possible to go to work, at the risk of infecting colleagues, or is it better to lie back at home? In autumn and winter, the question: "Is bronchitis contagious?" - is becoming particularly relevant. After all, everything around - in the street, in public transport, in shops - is to some extent chilled.
Bronchitis
First of all, it is necessary to understand what kind of illness it is. So, bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system. From the usual cold with a cough, it is different in that with it the inflammation passes into the bronchi, and it is difficult to cure it. In most cases, the disease is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Specialists distinguish two types of disease: acute and chronic bronchitis. The cause of acute form usually become flu viruses and various kinds of bacteria. The average duration of the disease is about ten days, during which a person suffers from a high fever and a damp cough with abundant sputum. If the latter lasts longer than three months, it is considered that the disease has passed into a chronic form. Bronchitis is able to progress, so it can not be run in any case. As you can see, the disease is quite serious.
Is bronchitis contagious?
Periodically on Internet forums dedicated to medical topics, the idea is expressed that this disease is not contagious. This point of view is incorrect. Ask any therapist if the bronchitis is contagious, and, no doubt, get a positive answer. In most cases, infection occurs by airborne droplets. If you are in close contact with the carrier of the disease, then involuntarily inhale the agent containing droplets of his saliva, which are released when he sneezes, coughs, yawns and even just speaks while standing close to you. If the patient is in a room with a large number of people, then all the surrounding are at risk, because the air is released from the human bronchi at a speed of 150 km / h. The worse the room is ventilated, the higher the chance of catching the infection. Since it is impossible to completely isolate your child or yourself from society, you should remember that there is a preventive maintenance of bronchitis.
Measures to prevent disease
A room, study, or an audience, in which theoretically sick people can be, should be ventilated as often as possible. In general, ventilation should be good. In periods of epidemics, the optimal option is the constant wearing of a medical mask. After visiting public places, wash your hands thoroughly. If you feel that you are starting to get sick, try not to become a source of infection for others. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or a napkin and try to avoid crowds. Do not ask the question: "Is bronchitis contagious?", Just do not expose others to danger. Until you make sure that you are completely healthy, better spend a few days at home. Eat garlic and onions. Whether you are infected, depends only on your immunity. If you still get sick, remember: treating bronchitis with antibiotics is the most effective method. However, self-medication is useless and even dangerous.