What are the symptoms of a viral sinus infection?
Mia Smith
Published Mar 12, 2026
What are the symptoms of a viral sinus infection?
The symptoms of viral sinusitis tend to be cold-like, including runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, and coughing. Mucus may be clear, or slightly colored. Antibiotics are not effective against a viral infection.
What causes viral sinus infections?
The same viruses that cause the common cold cause most cases of sinusitis. When the lining of the sinus cavities gets inflamed from a viral infection like a cold, it swells. This is viral sinusitis. The swelling can block the normal drainage of fluid from the sinuses into the nose and throat.
How long does it take for a sinus virus to go away?
A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days. A bacterial sinus infection will often persist for seven to 10 days or longer, and may actually worsen after seven days.
How do you treat a viral sinus infection?
If it’s viral, it should probably last less than two weeks. To get relief from sinus infection symptoms you can use nasal decongestant sprays, oral and topical antihistamines, nasal steroids and nasal saline washes. For a bacterial infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed. But be careful here.
What are the 4 types of sinuses?
There are four paranasal sinuses, each corresponding with the respective bone from which it takes its name: maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal.
How do you get rid of a viral sinus infection?
If it’s viral, it should probably last less than two weeks. To get relief from sinus infection symptoms you can use nasal decongestant sprays, oral and topical antihistamines, nasal steroids and nasal saline washes. For a bacterial infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed.
How long do viral infections last?
A viral infection usually lasts only a week or two. But when you’re feeling rotten, this can seem like a long time! Here are some tips to help ease symptoms and get better faster: Rest.
How can you tell if you have Covid from a sinus infection?
“COVID-19 causes more of a dry cough, loss of taste and smell, and, typically, more respiratory symptoms,” Melinda said. “Sinusitis causes more discomfort in the face, congestion, nasal drip, and facial pressure.”
What foods cure sinus infections?
Vitamins and minerals — Colorful fruits and vegetables — like apricots, cantaloupe, strawberries, red and green peppers, kale, parsley and broccoli — get high praise from the scientists working on sinus healers world-wide. They contain lots of vitamin C which is known to fend off colds, allergies and sinus infections.
Can sinus be cured?
In short, chronic sinusitis can be cured but is likely to require some sort of ongoing medical treatment or plan. To find out if a patient has chronic sinusitis, a doctor will first have to do a diagnostic work-up.
How do I clear my sinuses?
Home Treatments
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer.
- Take long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Use a nasal saline spray.
- Try a Neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe.
- Place a warm, wet towel on your face.
- Prop yourself up.
- Avoid chlorinated pools.
Is it possible to get sinusitis from a virus?
Yes. Acute bacterial sinusitis is closely related to viral upper respiratory tract infections. Typically, bacterial sinusitis is a complication of incomplete cure for a virus infection; Also it happens with allergic lesions of the nasal mucosa;
How do I know if my sinus infection is bacterial or viral?
“They can be present with viral infections, too. Even your doctor can’t tell if your infection is viral or bacterial based solely on symptoms or an exam.” Instead, your doctor looks at symptom duration to determine the source of your infection. A viral sinus infection will usually start to improve after five to seven days.
What are the chances of a Viral sinus infection turning into bacterial?
In other words, if you have an infection of the upper respiratory tract, such as colds, 9 out of 10 chance that you also have a viral sinusitis. And if so, you have one chance out of 10 that your sinusitis turns into a bacterial sinus infection.
What are the different types of sinus infections?
Another way to divide sinus infection is by the cause. A bacterial sinus infection is caused by bacteria and is usually more serious than a viral infection, which is caused by a virus. Here’s what to know about the two types.