Sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, can leave us feeling miserable. With symptoms like a stuffy nose, facial pressure, congestion, and headache that won’t quit. The sinus infection itself isn’t contagious, but the virus or bacteria that caused it may be. To truly understand the risk, you need to understand the difference between the two main types of sinus infections.
The medical condition known as sinusitis, the inflammation of the sinus cavities, is not transmissible from person to person. It’s an inflammatory response within your body, not an infectious disease in and of itself.
This guide will help you understand the difference between viral and bacterial infections, how they’re transmitted, and when it’s time to see a doctor.
The Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Sinus Infections
Understanding the cause of your sinus infection is the first step toward understanding its contagiousness. The vast majority of sinus infections are not bacterial. In fact, roughly 90% of cases are caused by viruses.
The Most Common Cause: Viral Sinusitis
Most sinus infections are a complication of an upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold or the flu. When a virus causes your nasal passages to swell, it can block the small openings to your sinus cavities. This blockage prevents mucus from being properly breathed out and drained, which can lead to inflammation and infection.
The viruses that cause the common cold and flu are highly contagious. They are typically spread through microscopic respiratory droplets. These droplets are spread when coming into contact with an infected person. If these droplets are inhaled or if you touch a surface contaminated with them and then touch your face or nose you can become infected.
Read More: Types of Headache
Bacterial Sinusitis
Bacterial sinus infections are much less common. This happens when the mucus trapped in the sinuses increases the bacteria. While the bacteria can cause a serious infection within your sinuses, they are not typically contagious from person to person.
How Long Are Sinus Infections Contagious?
Generally, you are most contagious with the cold or flu virus about 1-2 days before symptoms appear and remain so for a few days to a week after. You are typically contagious as long as you have active symptoms, including headaches, coughing, and sneezing. For a typical cold, the contagious period usually lasts for 7-10 days.
Read More: Relief Guide: Tips to Manage Headaches and Migraines
Are Sinus Infections Contagious Through Kissing?
This is a very specific question that many people have, and the answer is an important one. Since viral sinus infections stem from a virus, and those viruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets and saliva, kissing can absolutely be a route of transmission.
Bacterial Sinus Infection Symptoms
To control the symptoms of sinus, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. Here are some key indicators that your sinus infection might be bacterial:
Symptoms Lasting Longer Than 10 Days:
A viral infection typically starts to improve after about a week. If your symptoms, such as nasal discharge, facial pain, and pressure, continue for more than 10 days, it’s a strong sign of a bacterial infection.
Double Sickening
This is a classic sign of a bacterial sinus infection. You start to feel better after a few days of cold-like symptoms, only to have them return or get significantly worse.
High Fever
While viral infections can cause a fever, a high fever (above 102°F) that lasts for several days is more common with a bacterial infection.
Persistent Facial Pain
Severe and localized pain or pressure around your eyes, cheeks, or forehead, especially on one side of your face, can indicate a bacterial infection.
If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to contact Windermere Medical Group to be evaluated. Our doctors can properly diagnose your condition and determine if a course of antibiotics is necessary.
Are Sinus Infections Dangerous?
This risk is highest when the infection is left untreated and begins to spread beyond the sinus cavities. While rare, it can lead to:
- Orbital Cellulitis: An infection of the eye socket that can cause pain, swelling, and even vision loss.
- Meningitis: A serious infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
- Brain Abscess: A collection of pus in the brain caused by an infection.
- Osteomyelitis: An infection of the facial or skull bones.
These conditions are extremely rare. You should get medical help right away if you have any of the concerning symptoms listed below:
- High fever that won’t go down
- Swelling or redness around the eyes
- Severe headache
- Vision changes, such as double vision
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Stiff neck
When to Seek Help
To reduce your risk of getting a sinus infection, focus on preventing the underlying cause. Practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands and avoiding touching your face. Stay protected from people who are sick, especially during cold and flu season.
If you’re currently suffering from a sinus infection, connect with a nearby healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
At Windermere Medical Group, our team is ready to help you find relief. We have multiple locations across Georgia, serving communities like Cumming, Canton, Gainsville, Habersham & Alpharetta. Connect now for an emergency appointment.
FAQs
01. Are sinus infections contagious without a fever?
Yes, the virus that causes a sinus infection can be contagious even if you don’t have a fever.
02. How do you know if you have a sinus infection vs. a cold?
Colds and viral sinus infections often start with similar symptoms, but a cold will typically improve within 7-10 days. A sinus infection often involves more severe facial pain and pressure, and the symptoms may worsen over time or after a temporary period of improvement.
03. Is it safe to go to work or school with a sinus infection?
If your sinus infection is a complication of a cold, it’s best to stay home for the first few days while the virus is most contagious.
04. Can a sinus infection be contagious if there is no mucus?
The contagiousness of a sinus infection is not related to the presence of mucus. It’s related to the underlying virus. A sinus infection can be dry, but if a virus caused it, you can still transmit that virus to others through coughing and sneezing.
