Is a sinus infection contagious? That’s a question many people often ask when they find out they have an infection. First, let’s understand what sinusitis is and what causes it. Sinus infections typically are caused by viruses or bacteria. These viruses or bacteria can in some cases spread from individual to individual.
In the case of a sinus infection, the symptoms that occur are very similar to common cold symptoms. The common cold can include sneezing, runny nose, coughing, and green or yellow discharge from the nose. If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor. However, if you begin to have a fever, you might be dealing with another kind of viral sinus infection, this is why you should consider discussing this with your doctor.
So is a sinus infection contagious if other people have it? The answer is yes, they can be contagious. You can get them from being around individuals who have a cold or flu. The virus can enter the sinuses through the nose, through sharing items like towels, glasses, straws, etc.
Is a sinus infection contagious even though there is no fever or other obvious symptoms? Well, if your cough is clear, the chances are good that you are not dealing with sinusitis. But sinusitis does tend to produce a runny nose, a stuffy or congested feeling, especially during the night, along with pain or pressure around the head, forehead, and eyes. Other symptoms of sinus infection include fatigue, headaches, loss of smell, ear pain, and swelling of the glands in the face.
Is a sinus infection contagious when I visit a new place? If you begin to experience symptoms in a new location, even though you have come in contact with the same virus or bacteria in the previous locations, then you could very well be exposed. However, it is also true that you can be asymptomatic and never know you have sinusitis.
Is a sinus infection contagious when the drainage goes into my nose? This is a common question among sinus sufferers, sinusitis can enter the nose through many routes. For example, a deviated septum may allow some sinus fluid to drain into the nose instead of draining out into the throat and mouth. If you notice mucus-like drainage coming from the back of the nose or the bridge of the nose, then you most certainly have sinusitis coming from one of these locations. This drainage is not at all uncommon and is perfectly normal.
Is a sinus infection contagious when I have seasonal allergies? There are different types of allergies, and each person is prone to getting their own type of allergies. Some seasonal allergies are more common than others, and the main thing that determines whether an allergy is common or uncommon is the timing of the pollen. When the pollen season comes and goes, people who have seasonal allergies seem to become plagued by sinusitis all over again, and they have basically developed their own allergies to the grasses of the spring and summer. It is important to note that allergies should not be allowed to take control of your life!
Is a sinus infection contagious when the doctor swabs my nose? This is actually an excellent question to ask, because not only is sinusitis caused by bacteria and fungi, but the presence of certain fungi can also indicate that you have sinusitis. The normal method of testing for sinus infection is a nasal or forehead swab, and if there is a thick yellow-green discharge, it could be mold, yeast, or mold spores. Therefore, if your doctor does swab your nose, then he or she can conclude that you do, in fact, have sinusitis and can then proceed with treating it accordingly.