Sinus infections can be caused by a virus, a bacterial infection, or allergens. Less likely, is a fungal cause of your sinus infection. Viruses are the most common culprit of a sinus infection, and if you have a viral sinus infection you could pass on the sinus infection to others. Viruses are contagious. Bacterial infections can also be contagious. The condition of having swollen sinuses, filled with mucous, or sinusitis or rhinosinusitis is not necessarily contagious, however the cause of your sinus infection could be. Patients cannot catch allergies from others, and therefore, a sinus infection caused by an allergen in your environment and your body’s natural response to it is not contagious.
Experts disagree on whether or not a sinus infection caused by a bacterium is considered a contagious condition. Most times the bacterial infection in the sinuses is limited to only being in the sinus cavity. Because the bacterial infection is contained in the sinus cavity, the illness is thought to be only contagious in very rare situations. The instances of the very rare fungal sinus infections are not contagious as they are caused by exposure to fungus and mold spores in the environment.
If you have an acute sinus infection and are looking for relief from your sinus infection symptoms, find out more at SmartDocMD. Even better, you can skip the waiting room and get immediate sinus infection treatment online with our convenient online doctor visit. Click to start your care now.
SmartDocMD provides healthcare on your terms. Complete our online patient interview at a time and place convenient for you. You will receive a personalized health screening tailored to your specific problem for free.
SmartDocMD specializes in non-emergency medical conditions that can be safely assessed without an in-office visit. Our United States board-certified doctors treat adults 18 and older with sinus infection, cold/upper respiratory infections/cough, urinary tract infection (UTI), eye infection/pink eye/conjunctivitis, eye allergies and yeast infection. No insurance is needed. Telemedicine expenses may be eligible for reimbursement through your FSA or HSA, so check with your provider.