Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

When your nose is stuffed, your head is pounding, and your face feels like it is in a vise, you have probably got a sinus infection or a good dose of sinusitis on hand. It is miserable, and if you have ever had one, you might wonder if you are going to pass this on to everyone around you. A rough week of sniffling can continue into months at times. There is no straight yes or no answer, but the cause can help clear some of that up. I am Dr. Aaron Workman of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest ranked car accident medical care facilities in Kentucky, and I will discuss sinus infections and what to watch out for when considering those around you.

Most sinus infections start with a virus, often the same culprits behind the common cold like rhinovirus or influenza. If that is the case, then yes, the root cause is contagious. At the beginning you are sneezing, coughing, or just breathing near someone, and those viral droplets can hitch a ride to the next person. In my family, I have lived this story for years. A child brings a cold into the house, and it eventually sweeps through the majority of the family. Someone usually ends up clogged up for months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say colds spread easily through the air or touching things such as doorknobs, faucets, TV remotes or shared cups. There is a twist though. The inflammation and junk that remains in your sinuses does not spread sickness unless the virus is also present. The sinus drainage is just leftovers.

Not every sinus infection is viral and if the sinuses get blocked up after a cold lingers on, bacteria can also be a problem. Germs like Streptococcus might settle in, turning a viral nuisance into a bacterial fight. The good news? Bacterial sinusitis is not contagious. You are not passing those bugs by chatting or sharing a spoon. I have had patients afraid to come in for treatments thinking they are contagious due to sinus issues, but unless it is a virus still hanging around, it is not going to spread. The tricky part is figuring it out without a doctor because the yellow mucus and face pressure can be present in both.

Then there are the non-contagious issues that come from allergies. If pollen or dust is jamming your sinuses, then no one is catching it. These episodes are usually going to occur around the same time yearly and it is likely your body reacting to spring blooms. These cases will not spread, but they can still hit you hard with pressure and headaches, looking a lot like an infection.

So, are you contagious? If it is viral and you are still in that sneezy, early phase, keep your distance for a few days and practice excellent hygiene (WASH YOUR HANDS). Once it is full-on sinusitis you are not likely to pass it along, especially if it is bacterial or allergy driven. Watch for fever, a fresh cough, or cold-like signs as those suggest it is something you could pass on. After the COVID-19 era, patients tend to play it safe with masks or skip handshakes when feeling bad. If it has been weeks and you are still stopped up, then it may be time to see your doctor as you may need help getting rid of the problem. It is unlikely you are infectious at that point.

The sinus infection itself is not really contagious. It is just very uncomfortable until it passes. The virus that started the whole thing is the spreader. It is important to figure out the cause behind your sinus problem and then you can better decide if the people around you are at risk. You may end up stuffy and grumpy for a while so be prepared. Either way, get yourself checked so you can breathe easier and then you can avoid the worry of staying away from everyone with fear of starting a household or work outbreak.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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