Are Sinus Infections Contagious? Sinus infections are also known as sinusitis that often create problems in breathing. At times, the pressure create on your face also hurts.
As the condition tends to produce a lot of discharge, it makes you feel cough all the time and also produce discharge.
This is where it prove harmful and contagious, especially if it’s caused by some external agents like bacteria and viruses.
This post narrates you the most probable reasons why sinus infections often prove contagious. It will also help to grow your knowledge about the same also also how to rectify the condition by taking required measures.
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Table of Contents
Are Sinus Infections Contagious?
There can be many instances when sinus infections are found contagious, especially if they are caused due to the spread of bacteria or viruses.
Here we will give some more details how these external agents are responsible to cause the disease among us.
Viruses
In most cases, sinus infections are caused due to virus. And if you have also become a victim of such a virus, then you will be able to spread the virus to others that has given you the infection.
If virus from you goes to another person, it may sick another person. But there is no guarantee that the person concerned will have a sinus infection just like you. Most cases of sinus infections lead to symptoms like common cold that may or may not cause sinus infection in the long run.
Bacteria
Bacteria are also responsible to cause the problem of sinusitis among adults or children. It happens due to the growth of bacteria in sinus after it gets filled with mucous. The growth of bacteria is likely to cause an infection.
If you already have a sinus infection for the last 10-14 days, the most probable reason for this is due the bacterial growth. In such a condition where it is caused by a bacteria, you won’t be able to spread it elsewhere.
Other Risks & Causes
There are some people who become victim of chronic sinusitis that lasts up to 12 weeks. This kind of sinusitis is caused due to a number of allergies. In so e common cases, polyps (tissue growth in nose) forms.
There are cases where a deviated septum (wall between nostrils) is formed which actually raise your risk of having chronic sinusistis.
At times, some other agents like polluted air, dry air, smoke or tobacco become the reason to raise your risk of developing sinusitis.
As there are a number of causes that may trigger the condition of sinusitis, it will be best if you avoid direct contact with people. At the same time, it is also beneficial that you also see a qualified doctor.
How Long Is It Contagious?
Are Sinus Infections Contagious? Well, if you think virus has caused the condition, it’s likely that you are contagious days before you have got the sinus infection.
In most cases, virus infections remain active for only a few days. But there are some cases where it can pass for a week or more.
How Sinusitis Spreads?
Similar to common cold and flu, you can get it through your breathing. It can also pass direct from your hands to your mouth.
In most cases, when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus gets passed from the infected person to a healthy person who is standing nearby.
Virus can also pass when an infected person shakes hands with a normal person. It also gets passed when someone touches anything the sick or infected person has touched.
In order to protect yourself from getting infected by a virus or any other external agent, it is advisable for you to wash your hands with soap and water.
Take some precautions and maintain your hygiene at all times. Similarly, try to avoid getting in touch with people who are already infected with flu and common cold.
In case, you already have sinusitis, you need to cover your nose and mouth. Wash your hands to avoid making anyone sick.
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