Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

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HealthlineSubscribeWeight ManagementSinus Infections: Are They Contagious?

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Lana Bandoim — Updated on June 2, 2017

Transmission
Symptoms
Treatment
See a doctor
Outlook

If you have a viral sinus infection, it’s possible to transmit the virus. But this does not guarantee another person will develop a sinus infection.

Are sinus infections contagious?

If your sinus infection is caused by a virus, it’s possible to spread that virus to another person. This could cause them to develop a cold, which could then develop into a sinus infection.

Sinus infections aren’t always caused by a virus. Bacteria and fungi can sometimes also cause infections. If bacteria cause a sinus infection, then it’s not contagious.

Did you know?

Other names for a sinus infection are rhinosinusitis or sinusitis.

Transmission

When fluid or mucus is trapped in the sinuses, germs can begin to grow. That can lead to a sinus infection. Common causes of sinus infections include:

viruses, such as those that cause cold or flu
bacteria
fungi
nasal polyps, which are growths in the nose
nasal tumors
allergies
deviated septum, which is when the wall between the nasal passages is crooked or off-center

Viruses cause most sinus infections. If a virus causes your sinus infection, then it can be contagious. Spreading the virus to another person doesn’t guarantee that person will get a sinus infection. In most cases, they may only develop a cold. Their cold may turn into a sinus infection, but this doesn’t always happen.

You can spread the virus responsible for your sinus infection to another person through the air when you sneeze or cough. Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze can help reduce the risk of spreading infection.

You can also spread the virus by touching another person or object, like a doorknob, if you’ve sneezed or coughed directly into your hands. That’s why it’s recommended to cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, and to wash your hands regularly when you’re sick.

Bacteria can also cause sinus infections, but these infections aren’t contagious. You can’t spread them to other people. Bacterial sinus infections are less common. Bacteria cause less than 2 percent of sinus infections.

Symptoms

The symptoms of sinus infection include:

pain or pressure in the sinuses, on the forehead, between the eyes, on the sides of the nose, or at the upper jaw
headache
runny or stuffy nose
inability to smell
thick, yellow, green, or cloudy nasal discharge
postnasal drip, which is when mucus or fluid from the nose goes down the throat
sore or irritated throat
cough
bad breath
fever
fatigue

Read more: What does the color of your mucus mean? »

The length of your symptoms can vary. Acute sinusitis is temporary and usually develops from a cold. Symptoms typically last 7–10 days. A bacterial infection can make acute sinusitis last longer.

Chronic sinusitis is long-term and can reoccur. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis will last for 12 weeks or longer.

Treatment

There are several treatment options for sinus infections. Most treatment plans start with:

saline nasal irrigation and saline nasal sprays
over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants
OTC pain relievers
OTC fever reducers
antihistamines
mucus thinners
rest

If 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 for sinus infections caused by bacteria. They won’t help infections caused by viruses.

When should you see a doctor?

Call or see the doctor immediately if you have:

a fever above 102°F (38.8°C)
problems seeing or double vision
swelling and redness around the eyes
a swollen forehead
a stiff neck
confusion
intense pain and headaches that don’t go away
sinus symptoms that last more than 12 weeks

You should also see your doctor if you have multiple sinus infections in 12 months or if OTC medications don’t improve your symptoms.

In some cases, sinus infections can lead to other complications. Contact a doctor immediately if you have:

other infections, including osteomyelitis (bone infection) or cellulitis (skin infection)
loss of smell that is permanent or temporary
meningitis

Learn more: This is what it’s like to live without your sense of smell »

»MORE:Get an online treatment plan for your cold, flu, or sinus infection in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Outlook

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

Often a sinus infection can be treated with rest, home remedies, and OTC treatments, but any serious or prolonged condition should be reviewed by a medical professional.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Adults: Protect yourself with pneumococcalvaccines. (2016).https://www.cdc.gov/features/adult-pneumococcal/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Acute sinusitis.http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-sinusitis/home/ovc-20199692
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Chronic sinusitis.http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-sinusitis/home/ovc-20211159
Millman FM. (2015). Sinus infection: preventionand treatment.http://www.wakehealth.edu/Health-Central/Sinus-Infection-Prevention-and-Treatment/
Sinus infection (sinusitis). (2015).http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/sinus-infection.html
Sinus information. (2016).http://acaai.org/allergies/types/sinus-infection
Woodard T. (2016). Are sinus infections contagious?https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2016/11/sinus-infections-contagious/

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Lana Bandoim — Updated on June 2, 2017

Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

Did you know?

Transmission

Symptoms

Treatment

When should you see a doctor?

Outlook

How we reviewed this article:

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