Is Bronchitis Contagious? Pneumonia and Strep Throat Explained

Is bronchitis contagious? The usual kind of bronchitis is often caused by infections that spread easily through coughing and sneezing, so yes, the infection behind it can pass to other people. Strep throat is caused by strep A bacteria, which spread through close contact, coughs and sneezes, and pneumonia is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, so the same simple hygiene steps help protect the people around you.

When one person at home has a bad cough, the first worry is whether the rest of the family will catch it. Here is what the NHS says about how each illness spreads, how long to keep away from others and when to see a doctor.

Is bronchitis contagious?

Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lungs. According to the NHS, it is usually caused by an infection, and these infections can be easily spread through coughing and sneezing.

The good news is that bronchitis often gets better without treatment in around 3 weeks. Its symptoms can be similar to a cold or flu and include:

• a cough, sometimes bringing up mucus (balgham)
• chest pain when coughing
• shortness of breath
• a sore throat
• a runny nose
• a high temperature (fever)

Some people have long-term inflammation of the airways, called chronic bronchitis. This is known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and it is a different, long-term condition from the short illness described in this guide.

The NHS does not give a fixed number of days that bronchitis is infectious. Instead, it advises staying at home and avoiding contact with other people if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities. Bronchitis usually clears up on its own, but a doctor may offer antibiotics if it is caused by a more serious infection.

Is pneumonia contagious?

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs. The NHS explains that it is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, and that you can sometimes get pneumonia when you already have another infection such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or COVID-19. It can also happen when something such as water or food gets into the lungs, which is called aspiration pneumonia.

The NHS pneumonia page does not give a set time that a person is infectious. But because pneumonia is usually caused by an infection, its advice for people with pneumonia includes the same steps used to stop germs spreading: cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, put used tissues in the bin quickly, wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and stay at home if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough for normal activities.

Pneumonia symptoms

Symptoms can start suddenly or come on gradually over a few days. They can include:

• a cough and shortness of breath
• a high temperature
• chest pain
• an aching body and feeling very tired
• loss of appetite
• wheezing when you breathe (babies may also make grunting noises)
• feeling confused, which is common in older people

Depending on their symptoms, most people get better in 2 to 4 weeks. Pneumonia caused by bacteria is usually treated with antibiotics. If a doctor prescribes them, the NHS advises finishing them all even if you start to feel better, and contacting your doctor if you do not feel any better after 2 to 3 days. The NHS also advises against cough medicine for pneumonia, because coughing helps your body get rid of the infection.

Babies, older people and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of getting seriously ill and may need hospital treatment.

Vaccines that help protect against infections that can cause pneumonia include the pneumococcal, flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccines, and stopping smoking also reduces your chance of getting pneumonia. Ask your doctor which vaccines are suitable for you and your family.

Is strep throat contagious?

Strep throat is one of the illnesses caused by strep A, a common type of bacteria. According to the NHS, strep A infections are spread by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound. Some people carry the bacteria in their body without any symptoms and without feeling unwell, but they can still pass it on to others.

Strep A infections are more common in children, although adults can get them too. Strep A can cause:

• a sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis)
• flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
• a rough rash that feels like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
• scabs and sores on the skin (impetigo)
• painful, hot and swollen areas of skin (cellulitis)
• severe muscle aches

Most strep A infections are mild and get better on their own after about a week. More serious infections may be treated with antibiotics. Rarely, strep A causes a serious infection called invasive group A strep (iGAS), which needs hospital treatment.

You may be more at risk of strep A infections if you have a weakened immune system, open sores or wounds, or some viral infections such as a cold or flu.

How long are you contagious?

The NHS gives a clear time for some of these illnesses but not for others. Here is what each page says, with the common cold added for comparison.

The NHS common cold page makes a useful point: a person can start spreading a cold a few days before their symptoms begin, and stays infectious until all their symptoms have gone, which can take longer in babies and young children.

If you are not sure whether you have a cold, flu or something else, our guide to flu vs COVID vs common cold symptoms explains the differences.

How to avoid spreading it at home, school and work

In many Pakistani homes, family members share rooms, cups and towels, and children move between school, tuition and their grandparents' house. A few simple habits, all taken from NHS advice, help reduce the chance of passing an infection on:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and put used tissues in the bin as quickly as possible.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Stay at home if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.
• Avoid close contact with someone you know has a strep A infection.
• Do not share towels or household items, such as cups or children's toys, with someone who has a cold.
• Try not to touch your eyes or nose, in case you have come into contact with a virus.
• Do not smoke.

For strep A, the NHS gives a clear rule: if you or your child has a strep A infection or has been prescribed antibiotics for it, stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after starting the antibiotics. For the other illnesses, stay home while you have a high temperature or feel too unwell for normal activities.

Looking after yourself at home

Bronchitis usually gets better on its own, and if your child does not seem seriously ill with a strep A infection, the NHS says you can usually look after them at home. Helpful steps from the NHS include:

• getting plenty of rest
• drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, to avoid dehydration, which is easy to forget in Pakistan's hot months
• adding honey to a warm drink to soothe your throat (do not give honey to babies under 1 year old)
• not smoking

For pain or a high temperature, ask a pharmacist or doctor which painkiller is suitable for you or your child, and check the leaflet to see how much to give.

Antibiotics only work against bacteria. Colds are caused by viruses, and the NHS says antibiotics will not relieve cold symptoms or speed up recovery. Whether you need antibiotics for a chest or throat infection is a decision for a doctor who has examined you.

When to see a doctor

Book an urgent visit with a doctor if:

• you have had a cough for more than 3 weeks and it is not getting better
• you cough up blood-stained mucus, or yellow or green mucus (phlegm)
• you have chest pain that comes and goes, or happens when breathing or coughing
• you feel short of breath
• you feel too unwell to do your usual daily activities
• you are over 65 or pregnant
• you have a long-term condition such as diabetes (sugar), or a heart, lung or kidney condition
• you have a weakened immune system, for example because you are having chemotherapy
• you have been given antibiotics and do not feel any better after 2 to 3 days

Signs a child needs a doctor

Trust your instincts. See a doctor urgently if your child:

• is unwell and getting worse or not improving
• is feeding or eating much less than normal
• has fewer wet nappies than usual, is peeing less, or shows other signs of dehydration
• is a baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38C, or 3 to 6 months with a temperature of 39C or higher
• has a very high or low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivering
• is very tired or irritable

Emergency: call 1122 or go to the emergency department if

• someone is struggling to breathe, choking, gasping or unable to speak
• lips, tongue or skin turn very pale, blue or grey (on brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms, lips, tongue, gums, under the nails or around the eyes)
• someone is coughing up blood
• someone suddenly becomes confused, for example not knowing where they are
• a child is breathing very fast, making grunting noises, has pauses in their breathing, or their tummy sucks in under the ribs
• a baby or child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

Do not drive yourself to hospital. Ask someone to drive you or call 1122.

Find a doctor near you. You can find PMDC-verified doctors by city and specialty and book a visit on SehatDoc Booking.

Sources

• NHS — Bronchitis
• NHS — Pneumonia
• NHS — Strep A
• NHS — Common cold

Medical note: This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor who can examine you.