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Short answer Sinus infection or cold? The rule clinicians use What to do while you wait Is it allergies? Class, dorm and exam notes When should I go to urgent care or the ER? Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesUsually not at first: most sinus infections are caused by viruses and clear within 7 to 10 days without antibiotics.
See a clinician if symptoms last more than 10 days, get worse after seeming to improve, or come with a fever of 102 F or higher with thick discolored discharge.
Sinus infection or cold?
A cold and a viral sinus infection are hard to tell apart. Both bring a stuffy nose, facial pressure and thick mucus. What changes the plan is time and severity. See sinus infection or cold.
The rule clinicians use
- Symptoms over 10 days without improving: may be bacterial
- Severe symptoms for 3 to 4 days: fever 102 F or higher with thick discolored discharge and facial pain
- Double worsening: you start to get better, then get worse again
Any of these is a reason to see a clinician, who may prescribe antibiotics.
What to do while you wait
- Saline nasal rinse or spray, with distilled or boiled and cooled water
- Fluids, rest and a humidifier
- A warm compress on the face
- Over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Nasal steroid spray can help some people, ask a clinician
Is it allergies?
Clear, watery drainage with itching and sneezing, with no fever, points to allergies. See allergies and sinus infection.
Class, dorm and exam notes
- A sinus infection itself is not very contagious, but the cold virus that caused it can be
- Go to class if you feel up to it and have no fever
- Ask for a makeup if pain or fever keep you from studying
When should I go to urgent care or the ER?
Go to the ER for swelling or redness around an eye, vision changes, a severe headache with a stiff neck, confusion or a high fever that will not break. Call 911 if it is severe.
If you are not sure what you have, our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health.
Common questions from students
How long does a sinus infection last? Viral ones often clear in 7 to 10 days. See how long it lasts.
Is a sinus infection contagious? The sinus infection is not, but the cold virus behind it can be. See is it contagious.
Is it a sinus headache or a migraine? See migraine vs sinus headache.
Can I use a neti pot? Only with distilled, sterile or boiled and cooled water.
Will antibiotics help a viral sinus infection? No.
Common questions
Do I need antibiotics for a sinus infection in college?
Usually not at first: most sinus infections are caused by viruses and clear within 7 to 10 days without antibiotics. See a clinician if symptoms last more than 10 days, get worse after seeming to improve, or come with a fever of 102 F or higher with thick discolored discharge.
How long does a sinus infection last?
Viral ones often clear in 7 to 10 days. See how long it lasts.
Is a sinus infection contagious?
The sinus infection is not, but the cold virus behind it can be. See is it contagious.
Is it a sinus headache or a migraine?
See migraine vs sinus headache.
Can I use a neti pot?
Only with distilled, sterile or boiled and cooled water.
Will antibiotics help a viral sinus infection?
No.