Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is contagious because it is caused by a flu or cold virus. A government sponsored poster warning of the spread of the flu is posted in an office building September 16, 2009 in New York City. Some experts predict that Swine flu may infect 30 to 50 percent of the U.S. population and has already infected up to one million New Yorkers. Getty Images/Mario Tama

With cold and flu season here, bronchitis infections can strike and make it difficult to breathe. Depending on the type of bronchitis you have, you may be contagious to those around you.

Bronchitis is characterized by coughing, wheezing, fever, tiredness, and chest pain, according to WebMD. Because the lining of your lungs gets irritated, it can make it difficult to breathe without displaying these symptoms.

Acute bronchitis that is caused by a cold or flu virus is contagious and typically lasts for one to three weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Chronic bronchitis lasts longer than acute bronchitis and is caused by environmental irritants such as dust, chemicals, or smoke, the Mayo Clinic said. Chronic bronchitis is not contagious, however, but will last as long as a few months and can come back year-after-year.

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