Ear infections are not contagious or spread from one person to another, but the colds that result in ear infections are. Colds are spread when germs are released from the nose or mouth during coughing or sneezing.
Should I stay home if I have an ear infection?
A middle ear infection, also called otitis media, bring about pain, a clogged or full feeling in the ear, and difficulty hearing. But all these things are normal. You can probably wait out an ear infection on your own at home. If the pain goes away after a few days (and it usually will) then there's no reason to worry.
How do you know if an ear infection is viral or bacterial?
Ear pain and new onset fever after several days of a runny nose is probably an ear infection.1Symptoms persist longer than the expected 10-14 days a virus tends to last.2Fever is higher than one might typically expect from a virus.3Fever gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving.Is it a Bacterial Infection or Virus? | Duke Health
When is an ear infection not contagious?
Inner ear infections (the ones in the middle ear) are not contagious. Many of these infections can actually just disappear on their own. Outer ear infections, which can occur after swimming, are also not contagious. Many just require antibiotic eardrop treatment.
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