Ft Worth Times

• 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.

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.

Mingling over any holiday weekend could lead to a higher chance of getting a sinus infection, as sinus infections caused by viruses can be contagious, according to WebMD.

"The longer that you live with (sinus infections), the more permanent the problem becomes, the more issues arise that you cannot alter,” Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told the Ft. Worth Times. “And that's why I always remind people that, as soon as you've identified a problem that tends to be constant, it's not going away over time. It's very important that you address it.”

WebMD noted that while the sinus infection itself is not contagious, infections that lead to sinus infections are contagious and can be passed around at social events when people are sneezing or coughing. You cannot catch a sinus infection via bacteria or from someone suffering from allergies. It is important to always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

The number of people experiencing allergy symptoms or colds increases in the fall and winter, and they often have the same symptoms as a sinus infection, according to the Houston Chronicle, which cited Dr. Tran Locke, an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist who works at Baylor College of Medicine. Locke noted that if symptoms, which can include congestion, last for more than 10 days, it may be time to seek treatment from a doctor.

The Houston Chronicle also reported that symptoms can include tooth pain, fever, a sense of pressure in the facial area and a decrease in the sense of smell. Medication often helps with these symptoms, but minor surgery may also provide relief, Locke said.

People who have experienced any of those symptoms, or other symptoms such as fatigue, can take this Self-Assessment Quiz to determine whether seeking treatment could be beneficial.