Is a Sinus Infection Contagious?

Experts disagree about the contagiousness of sinus infections (also termed sinusitis and rhinosinusitis). Because bacteria and viruses (and occasionally, fungi) are the cause of most sinus infections, some experts say that the bacteria, viruses, or fungi can be transferred from person-to–person, and occasionally cause sinus infections. Other experts say that sinus infections, although caused by bacteria and viruses, occur because the conditions in the individual's sinuses are optimal for infection. Moreover, infection can be caused bacteria, viruses, or fungi that are already present in a person so that person-to-person transfer is not required for them to develop. However, the majority of doctors think that most people do not transmit sinus infections except in rare instances, and conclude that sinus infections are not contagious.

Still, there is widespread agreement that bacteria, fungi and/or viruses are transmitted from person-to-person (contagious) even if the disease, sinusitis, is not. It's recommended that individuals with sinus infections avoid direct contact (for example, kissing) with those that are more prone to infection like infants, the elderly, and those who have weakened immune systems to reduce the chance of transferring bacteria, fungi, and viruses to other people as they may cause problems other than sinus infections.

Sinus infections usually begin with the symptoms of a cold (for example, a runny nose, occasional cough and/or mild fever), and then develop into pain and pressure in the sinus cavities. About 7 to 10 days after initial cold-like symptoms other symptoms develop that suggest you may have a sinus infection. Sinus infection symptoms include

• a yellowish-greenish nasal discharge that may have an odor,
• bad breath,
• puffiness around the eyes,
• headaches,
• pressure in the sinuses, and
• coughing.

Many people also may develop

• fatigue,
• earaches, or
• sore throat.

Definitive diagnosis of a sinus infection is based on the patient's history, physical exam, and evidence of sinus inflammation that may be seen with X-rays or CT scan of the sinuses.

How long do sinusitis symptoms last?

• Acute sinusitis symptoms last about three weeks
• Chronic sinusitis usually lasts about eight weeks or longer
• Recurrent sinusitis is acute sinusitis that occurs several times over one year that may develop into chronic sinusitis.

Since the majority of doctors consider sinus infections to be non-contagious, the only spread of sinusitis would consist of the bacteria to the various sinuses within a single individual.

AA person may be "cured" of a sinus infection when the symptoms stop. However, a "cure" is often a temporary condition in some people that either have chronic or recurrent sinus infections. Bacterial sinus infections may benefit from antibiotic treatment (sometimes long-term antibiotic treatment is required before the patient is "cured" of a bacterial sinusitis), but there is no antibiotic treatment for viral sinusitis.

What home remedies soothe sore throat symptoms?

Symptoms, especially those caused by viruses, are usually treated with OTC drugs that reduce inflammation and swelling, for example,

• decongestant nasal sprays,
• saline sprays, or
• salt-water sprays.

Remedies that also soothe sore throat symptoms are

• OTC decongestants,
• steam vaporizers,
• warm compresses, and
• pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example).

Some people have sinus infections because of other conditions or diseases. For example,

• People with asthma have airway narrowing and are at higher risk for developing sinusitis.
• Prescription medications to reduce asthma symptoms also may reduce the tendency to develop sinusitis.
• Some people may need to undergo surgery or other procedures to open up narrowed or obstructed nasal or sinus passages (for example, individuals with nasal polyps or those with a deviated septum in the nose) to relieve sinusitis.

If you develop persistent fever or have a history of recurrent or chronic sinusitis or if you have sinus symptoms that don't improve or get worse, you should contact your doctor.

However, seek medical care immediately if you develop

• severe headaches,
• swellings in the forehead and/or eyes,
• shortness of breath,
• a stiff neck, or
• confusion.