Sinus Infections: Are They Contagious?

Sinus infections aren't always caused by a virus. Bacteria and parasites may sometimes also cause infections. If bacteria cause a sinus infection, then it is not contagious.

Did you know?

Other names such as a sinus infection have been rhinosinusitis or even sinusitis.

Transmission

When fluid or pus can be trapped from the sinuses, germs can begin to grow. That may lead to a sinus infection. Common causes of sinus infections include:

Viruses, such as those that cause cold or even influenza

·         bacteria

·         Diseases

·         nasal polyps, that are growths in the nose

·         nasal tumors

·         allergies

·         deviated septum, that can be when the wall between the nasal passages is crooked or off-center

Viruses cause many sinus infections. When your virus causes your sinus infection, then it could be contagious. Spreading the virus into another person doesn't guarantee that person can get a sinus infection. In the majority of cases, they may only develop a cold. Their cold may turn to a sinus infection, however, that doesn't always happen.

It's possible to spread the virus responsible for your sinus infection to another person through the air when you sneeze or a cough. Covering your nose and mouth when you a cough or sneeze might reduce the possibility of spreading infection.

You might also spread the virus from touching another person or object, just like a doorknob, if you have sneezed or coughed into your hands. That's why it's recommended to cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, and also to wash your hands regularly when you're sick.

Bacteria may also cause sinus infections, but these sinus infections aren't contagious. You can not spread them into other people. Bacterial sinus infections tend to be less common. Bacteria cause less than two percent of sinus infections.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a sinus infection include:

Pain or pain in the sinuses, to the forehead, between the eyes, to the sides of the nose, or else at the upper jaw

·         headache

·         runny or stuffy nose

·         inability to odor

·         thick, yellow, yellowish, or cloudy nasal discharge

·         postnasal drip, that can be when mucus or fluid out of the nose goes down to the throat

·         sore or irritated throat

·         cough

·         bad breath

·         fever

·         tiredness

The length of your symptoms may vary. Acute sinusitis is temporary and usually develops out of the cold. Symptoms typically last 7--10 days. A bacterial infection could create acute sinusitis last longer.

Chronic sinusitis is longterm and certainly will reoccur. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis can last for 1 2 weeks or longer.

Treatment

There are many treatment options for sinus infections. Most treatment programs start with:

·         Saline nasal irrigation and saline nasal sprays

·         Over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants

·         OTC pain relievers

·         OTC fever reducers

·         antihistamines

·         mucus thinners

·         rest

When home and OTC remedies don't work, your doctor may recommend other treatments, including:

·         antibiotics

·         nasal corticosteroids and sprays

·         nasal antihistamine sprays

·         oral or injected corticosteroids

·         immunotherapy

·         sinus surgery

Antibiotics only work with sinus infections caused by bacteria. They won't help infections caused by viruses.

When should you see a doctor?

Call or see that the doctor immediately in the Event That You have:

·         A fever above 102°F (38.8°C)

·         problems seeing or double vision

·         swelling and redness around your eyes

·         a bloated forehead

·         a rigid neck

·         confusion

·         intense pain and headaches that don't go away

·         sinus symptoms that last more than 1-2 weeks

You should also see your doctor when you have multiple sinus infections in 1-2 months or even in case OTC medications don't improve your symptoms.

In a few cases, sinus infections may lead to other complications. Contact a doctor immediately in the Event That You have:

·         Other infections, including osteomyelitis (bone infection) or cellulitis (skin infection)

·         loss of odor that is permanent or temporary

·         meningitis

Outlook

If your sinus infection is caused by a virus, it will be possible to pass that virus into other people. They may not develop into a sinus infection, but they could develop a cold. For those who have a sinus infection, take precautions to prevent the spread of this virus. Wash your hands regularly and sneeze and cough into your elbow instead of your handson. When possible, avoid being in crowded areas to reduce the number of people that could possibly be exposed to this virus.

Often a sinus infection could be treated with rest, home remedies, and OTC treatments, however, no serious or prolonged condition should be reviewed with a medical professional.