The mother of a child with a cold asks the nurse. "How long will my child be contagious?". The nurse should reply?

Children with the common cold are generally most contagious during the early stages of the illness typically within the first 2 to 3 days after symptoms appear. This is when viral shedding is at its peak, even if the child’s symptoms are mild. Hand hygiene, covering coughs, and limiting contact with others during the early days are essential to prevent spread.