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bawki t1_izkhzqf wrote

Reply to comment by Kabc in Post viral cough: why does it get worse after you get better? by [deleted]

I just want to emphasise one point you made: usually there is no bacterial superinfection, the symptoms are, as you rightly pointed out, due to the damaged/irritated lining of the upper respiratory tract. Sadly that takes some time to heal.

I did a quick search and found one study which tried to estimate the rate of superinfection by evaluating CRP levels on first presentation compared to subsequent visits. This approach has its obvious limitations, but if we are conservative in our estimate by doubling the reported likelihood of 8,1%, it still shows how rare bacterial superinfections in URTI are.

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obsidianop t1_izl3zvq wrote

Is it the case, then, that once the initial sinus congestion has cleared you are not contagious with virus even if the cough remains? I want to avoid getting others sick but I don't know how realistic it is to remain alone in my apartment for a week or two or more.

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OnenonlyAl t1_izm8x8b wrote

Most infectious between 3-7 days with a viral illness. Usually peaks at 5 or so.

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Kabc t1_izkjgjs wrote

Awesome! Thanks for that!

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