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Short answer What bronchitis is Going to class Do I need antibiotics? When it might not be bronchitis Dorm tips When should I go to urgent care or the ER? Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesOften yes: you can go to class with bronchitis if you have no fever and feel well enough, but a chest cough can last 1 to 3 weeks and is most contagious early on.
Most bronchitis is caused by a virus, so antibiotics usually do not help. See a clinician for fever, shortness of breath, blood in mucus or a cough over 3 weeks.
What bronchitis is
Acute bronchitis is swelling of the airways in your chest, usually after a cold or flu virus. The main sign is a cough that may bring up mucus, with chest soreness and tiredness. The CDC says the cough can last up to 3 weeks. It often outlasts the other cold symptoms.
Going to class
- No fever and energy to focus: usually fine to go
- Fever, body aches or feeling wiped out: stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours without medicine
- Cover coughs, wash hands and sit apart if you can
- Ask for a makeup if you miss an exam and bring a note
Do I need antibiotics?
Usually no. Because most bronchitis is viral, antibiotics do not help and can cause side effects. Rest, fluids, honey in warm drinks for adults, and a humidifier can ease the cough. See antibiotics for bronchitis.
When it might not be bronchitis
- Fever over 100.4 F with chest pain or fast breathing may point to pneumonia
- Wheezing that keeps coming back may be asthma
- A cough over 3 weeks needs a visit
- Vaping and smoking can make a cough last longer
See pneumonia or bronchitis for the differences.
Dorm tips
- Run a humidifier or take a steamy shower
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid smoke, vape clouds and dust
- Sleep with your head slightly raised
When should I go to urgent care or the ER?
Go to urgent care or the ER for trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, a blue tint to the lips, or a fever that will not break. Call 911 if you cannot catch your breath.
If you are not sure what you have, our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health.
Common questions from students
How long is bronchitis contagious? Usually most contagious while you have a fever and early symptoms. See is bronchitis contagious.
How long does bronchitis last? Often 1 to 3 weeks. See how long bronchitis lasts.
Can I work out with bronchitis? Light activity is okay for some. Skip hard workouts if you have a fever or wheeze.
Does vaping cause bronchitis? Vaping can irritate the airways and prolong a cough.
Is it a cold or bronchitis? A cold is mostly nose and throat. Bronchitis is a chest cough that lingers.
Common questions
Can I go to class with bronchitis?
Often yes: you can go to class with bronchitis if you have no fever and feel well enough, but a chest cough can last 1 to 3 weeks and is most contagious early on. Most bronchitis is caused by a virus, so antibiotics usually do not help. See a clinician for fever, shortness of breath, blood in mucus or a cough over 3 weeks.
How long is bronchitis contagious?
Usually most contagious while you have a fever and early symptoms. See is bronchitis contagious.
How long does bronchitis last?
Often 1 to 3 weeks. See how long bronchitis lasts.
Can I work out with bronchitis?
Light activity is okay for some. Skip hard workouts if you have a fever or wheeze.
Does vaping cause bronchitis?
Vaping can irritate the airways and prolong a cough.
Is it a cold or bronchitis?
A cold is mostly nose and throat. Bronchitis is a chest cough that lingers.