Is sinus infection contagious? All you need to know

If you are familiar with the term, sinus infection, you are probably thinking of catarrh or cold. What else can it possibly mean? You may ask. Well, a sinus infection goes beyond the usual runny nose or cough. So, is sinus infection contagious?

According to healthline.com, it is possible.  However, the publication also admits that it does not guarantee another person will develop the disease. To understand if the sinus infection is contagious or not, you must first understand the meaning of the term. This will help you understand the difference between the regular catarrh and cough you are already familiar with.

Table of Content hide 1What is a sinus infection? 2Symptoms of a sinus infection 3Is sinus infection contagious? 4For how long is sinus infection contagious? 5How to prevent getting a sinus infection 6How to treat a sinus infection 7Conclusion

What is a sinus infection?

According to OSF HealthCare, sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is a term that is attributed to “when the air-filled pockets in the face, called sinuses, fill up with fluid, inflaming the sinus lining and preventing them from draining”. The trapped mucus can allow bacteria to grow leading to an infection.

In other words, a sinus infection is mostly a viral disease. However, it can also be caused by bacteria (as already explained above) and allergies. Other causes include:

• Fungi
• Nasal polyps (growths in the nose)
• Nasal tumours
• A deviated septum (when the wall between the nasal passages is crooked or off-centre).

In addition, smoking, dry air, or polluted air can trigger sinus infections.

If you have a sinus infection, you will most likely find it difficult to breathe. The pressure in your face can hurt, and you can cough and produce a lot of discharge.

Symptoms of a sinus infection

If you suspect you have a sinus infection, watch out for the following symptoms:

• Runny nose or cold symptoms that last longer than seven to ten days
• Complaints of drip in the throat from the nose
• Headaches
• Facial pain
• Bad breath
• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swelling around the eyes, worse in the morning

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Is sinus infection contagious?

As previously stated, a sinus infection is mostly a viral disease. This usually means that it is contagious. In that case, you can get it the same way you get catarrh and cough, also known as cold or flu: breathing it in or passing it from your hands to your mouth after touching something.

Note that a virus is spread in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get it when you shake hands with someone who is sick or touches a doorknob or anything else the sick person has touched. This is why healthcare professionals often recommend coughing or sneezing into the crook of your elbow and washing your hands regularly.

As you already know, bacteria can cause a sinus infection. But it is often not contagious. It is also less common than a sinus infection caused by a virus. A sinus infection caused by bacteria causes less than two per cent of sinus infections.

For how long is sinus infection contagious?

If you have a sinus infection caused by a virus, you can be contagious for a few days. Sometimes, it can last for a week or more.

If you have a sinus infection that lasts for more than 10 days or goes in a week and returns a few days later, it was mostly likely caused by a bacteria which is not contagious.

How to prevent getting a sinus infection

• Wash your hands often with water and soap.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if you have touched lots of objects or shaken people’s hands while outside
• Avoid people who are down with cold, flu or similar symptoms.
• Drink plenty of water to stay healthy.
• Eat and rest well.
• Avoid smoke or second-hand smoke.
• Get recommended vaccines such as the flu vaccine.

How to treat a sinus infection

Melinda Cooling, vice president of advanced practice providers at OSF HealthCare and chief clinician executive for OSF Saint Gabriel Digital Health, says:

Many sinus infections caused by a virus will resolve on their own without any treatment with antibiotics. This is important because if you don’t need antibiotics, it’s better not to take them as they can cause side effects and long-term resistance. An infection caused by bacteria, however, will likely require antibiotics.

“Sometimes your health care provider may ask you to take over-the-counter medications to help your symptoms and monitor your condition further.

The recommended over-the-counter (OTC) medications include the following:

• Saline nasal spray
• Decongestant
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
• A warm compress on your nose and forehead to relieve sinus pressure
• Rest

However, if the home remedies do not work, you should take the following treatments:

• Antibiotics (for sinus infection caused by bacteria)
• Nasal corticosteroids and sprays
• Nasal antihistamine sprays
• Oral or injected corticosteroids
• Immunotherapy
• Sinus surgery

Meanwhile, see a doctor immediately if you have the following symptoms:

• Fever above 102°F (38.8°C)
• Sight problems or double vision
• Swelling and redness around the eyes
• Swollen forehead
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Intense pain and headaches that do not seem to stop
• Sinus symptoms that last more than 12 weeks
• Multiple sinus infections in 12 months
• When OTC treatments do not work.

Conclusion

The rainy season is here and you know what that means. The cold and wet environment is a hub for viruses and bacteria to thrive. You have to protect yourself against cold and other flu-like symptoms that can lead to a sinus infection.

A sinus infection is contagious, especially if it is caused by a virus. However, it is often not contagious when caused by bacteria.

A sinus infection is not a death sentence but it can lead to severe complications if not treated properly. This is why it is important to ensure you avoid the disease. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, avoid people who exhibit symptoms of flu or cold, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, eat and rest well, and avoid polluted environments.

If you do have the disease, follow the treatments recommended above.  If you are not getting better, then it is time to visit a doctor. Meanwhile, try your best not to spread the disease by coughing or sneezing into the crook of your elbow, and wash your hands regularly.

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