The question as to whether sinus infections are contagious or not is rather dicey for a definitive answer. Leading causes of sinus infections are bacteria, viruses, and occasionally fungi.
These pathogens grow in the patient’s sinuses if the conditions are right and cause spontaneous infection. It is also understood that bacterium, virus, and even fungi can lie dormant in a person and only cause infection when triggered by allergens or suppressed immunity.
Can one person infect another with sinus?
Most doctors believe that except in rare cases, people cannot transmit sinus infection to others. What people can transmit to others, however, are the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that reside in their bodies.
If transmitted to a person with lowered immunity, infants, or the elderly, these pathogens can cause a sinus infection. In other words, the infection itself, sinusitis, is not transmitted but the causing agents can be.
Do not kiss or shake hands with a patient suffering from a sinus infection to avoid picking up active bacteria, viruses, or fungi in their saliva. If you suffer from allergies, protect yourself by avoiding contact with allergens that may trigger the virus in your system to attack.
What are the signs for sinus infection?
Sinus infections usually start with cold-like symptoms that comprise a runny nose, mild fever, and a little cough from an irritated throat. These gradually develop into pain around the head and eyes and uncomfortable pressure in the sinus cavities.
The headaches get severe at the slightest movement or when leaning forward. You will also feel a pulsating pain in your ears and general malaise. At this point, it might be a good idea to get some home remedies to alleviate the suffering.
A good homeopathic nasal spray can work wonders for you, killing germs, and irritants in your nose without causing irritation. Homeopathic nasal sprays are 100% natural antiseptic remedies that, unlike other brands are not addictive. Eucalyptus and neem oils added to boiling water and used as a steam inhalant are very effective for quick relief.
The steam treatment will not only clear the nasal passages but also dry up the annoying runny nose to give you the much-needed comfort.
How to manage sinus infection at home
Sinus infections may last only ten days if it is not chronic. However, those are 10 days of great discomfort that you want to get over as fast as possible. You have a number of remedies you can use at home to avoid a visit to the doctor’s office.
A simple glass of water will keep you hydrated and help flush out the virus. Fresh garlic and a cup of ginger tea will greatly boost your immunity. Flush your nasal cavities with saline irrigation or sprays to reduce fluid buildup.
Add some essential oils from either neem or eucalyptus to your steam inhalant for faster clearance of sinuses. To soothe the tender facial areas, apply warm and moist compresses gently for relief.
You might want to consult a homeopathic practitioner near you for guidance on how to use home remedies if this is your first time. Natural remedies are non-toxic and safe to use for all ages.
