The ear infection is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that typically affects the middle ear. Ear pain is a common symptom associated with an ear infection.
An ear infection is more common among children. This is because ear infections often clear up on their own. However, sometimes they may require medical treatment in more severe cases.
Ear infections sometimes develop during a cold or contagious infection. Therefore, some people question whether ear infections can be contagious or not? Read further to learn about common causes of ear infections and ways to prevent them.
I have already shared a post related to this topic How Do You Get Bacterial Meningitis? I hope you read this post.
Table of Contents
Is an ear infection contagious?
An ear infection is contagious because bacterial and viral infections that trigger ear infections can spread from one person to the next. There are 3 types of ear infections:
- External ear infection: This is commonly connected to the “swimmer’s ear.”
- Labyrinthitis: This is inflammation in the inner ear caused by infection.
- Middle ear infection: It’s the most common type of ear infection, especially in children.
Ear infection can cause by viruses or bacteria that usually develop in the middle ear. This may be the result of the common cold or flu. Some of these infections are highly contagious because they can spread from person to person and surface to surface.
When people talk, sneeze, or cough, you can contract the virus and increase your risk of developing an ear infection.
I had earlier shared What’s The Difference Between A Common Cold And The Flu?. I hope you read the post.
Ear infection causes
Swelling or inflammation in your Eustachian tubes can cause blockages and allow fluid to accumulate in your middle ear. This can lead to common symptoms of an ear infection.
Other conditions likely to block the eustachian tubes include:
- Swollen adenoids
- Allergies
- Sinus infections
- Changes in air pressure
- Smoking
- Seasonal changes
Ear infection neck pain
A chronic ear infection can cause pain as well as inflammation in the glands of your neck. This can make your neck stiff. If you have a stiff neck and a chronic headache or fever, it could be something much more serious like meningitis.
To learn more, you can read: Tension Headache vs Migraine
Nutrition facts Is ear infection a sign of covid?
The World Health Organization (WHO) doesn’t list ear infections as a sign of COVID-19.
But doctors agree that it’s possible to experience an ear infection from COVID-19, even though it doesn’t seem to be a common symptom. This is because Coronavirus and ear infections have similar symptoms, such as fever and headache.
Children between 6 and 36 months are most likely to get ear infections, although they can occur in older children and adults.
Covid is an infection caused by a new coronavirus that causes a respiratory illness with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing.
You must read this article: Do Allergies Cause Dry Cough?
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How to treat an ear infection?
Many cases of ear infections start to become better on their own without getting medical attention. However, your doctor will monitor your symptoms for signs of improvement over a week.
Doctors often recommend a watch-and-wait method for younger children with mild ear pain to monitor symptoms for no longer than 48 hours.
If symptoms don’t recover, your doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment or ear drops. In some severe cases, surgery is advised to drain excess fluid from the middle ear.
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Tips to prevent an ear infection
An ear infection is contagious. You can avoid spreading bacteria and viruses that may trigger an ear infection by following simple precautions. They include:
- Wash your hands properly.
- Cover your mouth while coughing, and cover your nose when you sneeze.
- Don’t share your utensils if you or someone else is sick.
- Avoid smoking
- Get vaccination shots for the flu and other viruses.
- Stay home until your fever goes away.
Conclusion
An ear infection can be contagious. But, with simple, healthy habits, you can stop spreading this infection and reduce the risk of developing an ear infection.
Ear infections are typically mild, but sometimes they can cause severe pain and discomfort. See your doctor immediately if your symptoms get worsen.
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