SC Connecticut News

• An overwhelming majority of Americans celebrate Halloween.

• Sinus infections caused by viruses are contagious.

• Common colds are more likely in the fall and winter, and they can lead  to sinus infections.

Dr. Robert Weiss | Ct ENT Sinus Center

Halloween is all about spooky fun and kicking off the holiday season, but it also creates greater opportunities to spread viruses and illness that can lead to sinus infections, a Norwalk-based physician told SC Connecticut News.

Halloween, this year in particular, is a multi-day event, bringing people closer together and making contagions more likely. If certain symptoms do crop up, sufferers should not ignore them, Dr. Robert Weiss of CT ENT Sinus Center said.

"If you've got any of these allergies or sinus or nasal problems, don't accept them as status quo," Weiss said. "Get to an appropriate specialist who is very experienced in these areas and look into what can be done to help, because a lot of times, there are things that can be done, and they're relatively easy to get done, and they can have a high impact on your symptoms and your quality of life."

Weiss, director and founder of CT ENT Sinus Center, is a board-certified otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon, a member of seven preeminent medical associations and societies and is associated with Norwalk Hospital. CT ENT Sinus Center is located on Main Avenue in Norwalk.

While not tied to any religious or civil observance, Halloween is a very popular holiday. A survey conducted by the National Confectioners Association in September found that 93% of Americans were planning to celebrate Halloween in some way, according to PR Newswire.

Halloween also fell on a Monday this year, effectively making it a weekend-long long observance, which can make the event something of a super-spreader. Mingling over any holiday weekend means people in closer proximity, leading to increasing chances of getting a sinus infection by sharing contagious viruses, according to WebMD.

A sinus infection is not itself contagious, but the viruses that can lead to sinus infections are, and those infected with a virus may develop a sinus infection. Viruses spread from person to person through sneezing or coughing.

Sinus infections caused by allergies or bacteria are not contagious, but sinus infection sufferers should still cover their noses and mouths when sneezing, preferably into tissue or the crook of a clothed elbow. Everyone should wash their hands often and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth.

Allergy symptoms and common colds also are more likely in the fall, around Halloween and well into winter. What allergy and cold sufferers may not realize is that their symptoms could devolve into sinus infections, according to the Houston Chronicle. Allergies, colds and sinus infections have many of the same symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between them.

If symptoms such as congestion last longer than 10 days, it might be time to see a doctor about whether a sinus infection has developed, Dr. Tran Locke, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who works at Baylor College of Medicine, told the Houston Chronicle. Other sinus infection symptoms include a feeling of pressure in the face, decreased sense of smell, tooth pain and fever. Many patients can resolve their symptoms through medication, but for some, a minimally invasive surgery might be the best option, Locke said.

Anyone experiencing any of those symptoms, or other symptoms such as fatigue, can take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz to determine whether seeking treatment could be beneficial.