Contagious?

Question

I went to urgent care on Saturday to find out I have bronchitis and they started me on Levaquin. They also sent away a strep culture on me. I always thought that you weren't contagious anymore after 24 hours on antibiotics, but am now hearing conflicting statements. Does anyone know the truth? Thanks!

Answer 1

There is no way to know with certainty. As long as you are having symptoms assume you are contagious and take the appropriate precautions. As long as you have a cough, congestion, sore throat etc., assume that you are still shedding viruses or bacteria. In fact, you can shed both even in the absence of symptoms.

Answer 2

My son's school says that with strep they can come back three days after taking antibiotics, but some schools say twenty four hours, his doctor says that it is twenty four hours.

My suggestion would be get to were you feel better and you don't feel week because most likely if you don't with strep you will relapse. Strep used to be something you stayed out with for a while and with good reason. If you are concerned about work I would go with the 24 hours. Everyone seems to have a different view on it these days.

Answer 3

You are usually more contagious before you really know you sick. But now that you are on antibiotics after 48 you should be allright. Make sure to take all of your meds or you are waisting your time and will be back to the Dr. again.

Answer 4

18 to 36 hours. You want to be sure and take all the levaquin prescription and not just until you feel better. This can become chronic instead of acute, and you do not want that.

Answer 5

I'v always heard it's 3 days after starting the antibiotic. I have 4 kids and that's what I'v been told with them.

Answer 6

48 hours

Answer 7

after 24 hours you are not contageous

Answer 8

just do what the doctors tell u
and dont be worried u would be ok