With the UK offering up a questionable summer forecast, you might have found yourself struggling with a cold, much like in the winter months.

If you’re still up for getting out and about, you might be wondering when you will be contagious and when you’ll be able to enjoy the company of family and friends without spreading your germs.

This is how you can reduce the risk of spreading your cold to the people around you.

When is a cold infectious to other people?

The NHS website says a person who has a cold is infectious until they no longer have symptoms – usually around one to two weeks.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A person who has a cold can be contagious for one to two weeksA person who has a cold can be contagious for one to two weeks (Image: Getty Images)

Viruses cause colds and they spread easily to other people.

Colds are also spread via germs when someone coughs or sneezes and these germs can live on surfaces as well as hands for 24 hours.

In order to reduce the risk of spreading a cold, the NHS advises that you:

  • Use warm water and soap to wash your hands often
  • Trap germs in tissues when you cough or sneeze
  • Put used tissues in the bin as soon as possible

More information about common colds can be found via the NHS website.