Sinus infections can make you feel miserable by causing a stuffy nose, facial pain, headaches and an overall sense of being run down. But if you’re dealing with one, ask yourself before you’re around other people: Are sinus infections contagious?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on what’s causing the infection in the first place. If you have questions about whether you have a sinus infection or what you should do about it, make an appointment with your primary care provider.
What causes a sinus infection?
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, happens when your sinuses (the air-filled spaces in your face) become swollen and inflamed. This can trap mucus and create the perfect environment for germs to grow.
Ross Germani, MD, an ear, nose and throat physician in our Greenville market, says sinus infections are not uncommon.
“Adults typically have two sinus infections a year,” Dr. Germani says. “Children can get up to six.”
A few common causes of sinus infections include:
- Viral infections: These are the most common cause. A viral sinus infection often develops after an upper respiratory infection like the common cold.
- Bacterial sinus infections: Less common, but they can occur when a viral infection leads to a secondary bacterial infection.
- Allergies: Pollen, dust, pet dander, pollution and other allergens can cause sinus inflammation.
- Nasal polyps or a deviated septum: These physical issues can block normal sinus drainage and make infections more likely.
People with allergies, physical blockages in their nose or sinuses, asthma or weak immune systems are more likely to develop sinus infections.
Are sinus infections contagious?
If a virus causes your sinus infection, then yes – the virus itself can spread from person to person.
That means if you have a runny nose, sneezing and other common symptoms of a cold, you could pass the virus to someone else. However, just because they catch the virus doesn’t mean they’ll develop a sinus infection.
On the other hand, bacterial sinusitis is typically not contagious. Bacteria that cause sinus infections are usually already present in your sinuses and only become a problem when mucus gets trapped, allowing bacteria to multiply.
How to prevent spreading sinus infections
Even though bacterial sinus infections aren’t usually contagious, it’s still important to practice good hygiene. This is especially true if your infection started with a virus. Here’s what you can do:
- Wash your hands frequently to stop the spread of germs.
- Avoid close contact with others if you have symptoms of a sinus infection, especially in the first few days.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Keep your immune system strong with healthy food, sleep and exercise.
Common symptoms of a sinus infection
Wondering if you have a sinus infection? The symptoms can feel like a cold, but they tend to last longer. Symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Facial pain or pressure (especially around your nose, eyes and forehead)
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Headache
- Cough (often worse at night)
- Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of your throat)
- Fatigue
- Fever (in some cases, more common with bacterial sinus infections)
Dr. Germani says some symptoms are more common than others.
“Nasal obstruction, not being able to breathe through the nose, discolored drainage or thick drainage, decrease in the sense of smell or loss of the ability to smell,” Dr. Germani explains.
If your symptoms last more than 10 days, or if they improve and get worse again, you may have bacterial sinusitis. Dr. Germani adds that if your symptoms last this long, you may need antibiotics and should make an appointment with your provider.
How to treat a sinus infection
Most sinus infections, especially those caused by viruses, will clear up on their own within 10 to 14 days. Here are some ways to help you feel better in the meantime:
- Use a nasal spray: Saline sprays help rinse out your sinuses and reduce congestion.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus.
- Apply warm compresses: This can ease facial pain and pressure.
- Rest and recover: Your immune system needs time to fight off the infection.
- Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers and decongestants can help with symptoms.
For chronic sinusitis (lasting more than 12 weeks) or if you have recurring infections, you may need further treatment. Structural issues like nasal polyps or a deviated septum might require medical intervention.
How we can help
Are sinus infections contagious? Determining the cause of every sinus infection can be difficult. However, to prevent anyone else from becoming sick, act as if you are contagious and practice good hygiene.
If you’re still feeling sick after about two weeks of treating yourself at home, or your symptoms improved but then worsened, make an appointment with your primary care provider. Depending on your symptoms or other health issues you may have, they might refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. They can determine the best treatment and help you to feel better again soon.
Learn about the primary care as well as ear, nose and throat services we offer at Bon Secours.
