Is Your Sinus Infection Viral or Bacterial?

Getting a sinus infection is uncomfortable. The biggest question is whether your infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. This distinction is important because if it's caused by bacteria, you probably need antibiotics to resolve it. If it's viral though, you can focus on managing your symptoms with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medicine.

Your best bet is to get a diagnosis from a licensed doctor. The good news? Most doctors agree an accurate diagnosis doesn't need to come from an in-person visit. The doctor will look for a few key symptoms to determine if your infection needs antibiotics or not. In most cases, symptoms of a bacterial infection include:

• Facial pain

• Fever

• Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days

• Multiple sinus infections in the past year

But every person is different. Speaking with a doctor can help you get care. See a doctor on Amwell now.