most helpful answer bronchitis is just a complication of the cold. bronchitis itself is not contagious but you still should exercise caution when you cough use tissues etc. and wash your hands. you can return to work when you feel better and are fever-free since the cough can last a while.
when am i no longer contagious? i caught a cold then three days later developed bronchitis. i understand the cold has a three-day contagiousness window--one day before you know you are ill and two days following. but what happens when the cold develops into bronchitis? am i contagious again when the bronchitis symptoms appear? bottom line: when am i clear to return to work so i do not infect others?