Are sinus infections contagious, and when is medical treatment required in Europe?

Sinus infections explained: viral vs bacterial sinusitis, transmission risk, symptom duration, and prescribing criteria.

In this episode, we clarify whether sinus infections can spread from person to person and how doctors distinguish contagious viral illness from non-contagious inflammation.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between viral sinusitis and bacterial sinus infection

• Why viral upper respiratory infections are contagious

• Why bacterial sinusitis itself is usually not directly contagious

• Typical symptoms: facial pain, nasal congestion, thick discharge, reduced smell

• When symptoms lasting more than 10 days may suggest bacterial infection

• Red flag signs such as high feve ...