How long does a sinus infection last?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
A typical acute sinus infection improves in 7 to 10 days and clears within about 4 weeks. Most are viral and ride in on a cold, so they resolve without antibiotics. The formal clock: acute lasts up to 4 weeks, subacute 4 to 12 weeks, chronic more than 12 weeks - and chronic needs a workup for allergies, polyps, or anatomy problems. The get-seen patterns: no improvement at 10 days, better-then-worse, or fever beyond 3 to 4 days. Saline rinses, warm compresses, steam, and fluids help while you wait. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you tell a normal arc from one that needs a clinician.
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- Give it 10 days before worrying: most viral sinus infections turn the corner by then.
- Use saline rinses and steam: real symptom relief while the infection runs its course.
- Get seen for the bad patterns: 10 days without improvement, double-worsening, or fever past 3 to 4 days.
- Treat 12 weeks as a hard line: past that, it is chronic sinusitis and needs a proper workup.
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