Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways that carry air to the lungs. It is usually caused by a virus, although it can also be caused by bacteria or other factors.
How Long Does it Take to Infect Someone with Bronchitis?
The duration of time it takes to infect someone with bronchitis depends on the type of infection. Viral bronchitis generally takes about two to three days for symptoms to appear, while bacterial bronchitis may take up to two weeks. It is also possible for someone to be infected with both viruses and bacteria, which could take up to three weeks for symptoms to show.
Viral Bronchitis
Viral bronchitis is the most common form of bronchitis and is caused by a virus, such as the common cold virus or the flu virus. Symptoms of viral bronchitis usually appear two to three days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Bacterial Bronchitis
Bacterial bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection and usually takes up to two weeks for symptoms to appear. Symptoms are similar to those of viral bronchitis, but may also include fever and a thick, yellow-green mucus.
Viral and Bacterial Bronchitis
It is possible for someone to be infected with both viruses and bacteria at the same time. In this case, symptoms can take up to three weeks to appear. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, as well as fever and thick, greenish mucus.