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  • Discovery Fit & Health > 
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  • Cold & Flu

by Julia Layton

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Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

Layton, Julia.  "Are colds and the flu most contagious before or after you start showing symptoms?"  13 December 2006.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/cold-flu/contagious.htm>  11 February 2012.
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A Conception Story

Follow six couples on their journey to pregnancy.

Inside this Article
  1. Are colds and the flu most contagious before or after you start showing symptoms?
  2. Lots More Information
  1. See all Cold & Flu articles

Lots More Information

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More Great Links

  • CNN.com: The 7 kids' health myths every mom should ignore - Dec. 8, 2006
  • KidsHealth.org: Influenza (Flu)
  • Go Ask Alice!: When are colds contagious?

Sources

  • "The 7 kids' health myths every mom should ignore." CNN.com/Parenting.com. Dec. 8, 2006.
  • "Colds and Flu." Healthstar.
  • "Flu Facts." AANMA.
  • "Influenza (Flu)." KidsHealth.org.
  • "When are colds contagious?" Go Ask Alice!
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SYMPTOM CHECKER

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Common Symptoms:

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