Are you contagious? Check when you're most likely to spread COVID, the flu and other common illnesses

It's that time of year! People are spreading holiday cheer — and germs, leading to sicknesses like COVID, flu, RSV, pneumonia and more. But how long are you contagious?

Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno, Children's Medical Center Plano director of infection prevention and control, is already seeing upticks in RSV, COVID and flu in her area, she told CBS News. 

Luckily, there are ways to help prevent illness, including social distancing, washing our hands and getting vaccinated.