Is an Ear Infection Contagious?

Ear infections are common among children, but adults are also susceptible to earaches and ear pain. But how are earaches spread, and is an ear infection contagious? Here’s what you should know about earaches and how to avoid them.

Understanding Ear Infections

Not all ear infections are the same; your ear can become infected in several places. Your outer and middle ear are areas prone to different types of infection.

But does the location of the infection determine whether it’s contagious? Let’s break it down by location.

Outer Ear Infection

Often called swimmer’s ear, otitis externa (outer ear infection) usually affects people after swimming. The external part of your ear becomes infected and swollen from moisture buildup after being underwater.

Outer ear infection symptoms include:

• Ear irritation
• Ear pain
• Flaky, peeling skin in the outer ear canal
• Itching
• Muffled or blocked hearing
• Pressure and fullness in the ear
• Pulling on the earlobe (especially seen in young children)

Outer ear infections can affect adults and children.

Middle Ear Infection

Otitis media affects the middle of the ear and is more common in children. The tube that connects children’s middle ear with their nose and throat is narrow, which makes it easy for bacteria and fluids to build up, leading to frequent ear infections. However, adults can also develop middle ear infections, especially after a virus or sinus infection.

Signs of a middle ear infection:

• Ear discharge (pus or other fluids)
• Fever
• Frequent, painful ear-popping sensations
• Loss of appetite
• Muffled or blocked hearing
• Pressure and fullness in the ear
• Sleep problems

Otitis media can be painful and debilitating, no matter what age you are when you contract it. You may notice temporary deafness, which should disappear after treating the infection.

The Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Ear Infections

There are two types of ear infections: viral and bacterial. Because some ear infections result from colds and other viruses, these viral ear infections could potentially be contagious. Bacterial ear infections, however, can’t be transferred from person to person.

In other words, if you’ve contracted a contagious virus that leads to an ear infection, you’re probably contagious. It’s best to avoid other people until your symptoms go away or you’ve been cleared by a doctor.

Viral Ear Infections

Middle ear infections can occur right after you’ve come down with a virus. Colds, upper respiratory infections and viruses affecting your sinuses can lead to ear infections.

Some research suggests that viruses cause the majority of middle ear infections. The general rule of thumb is that you’re no longer contagious after being fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.

You can prevent viral ear infections in yourself and your children by using good hygiene practices. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your mouth and nose and stay away from others who are sick.

Bacterial Ear Infections

In some cases, bacterial infections can impact your ears. If you have strep throat or fluid buildup in your ear, you’re at higher risk of developing an ear infection. Moist environments help bacteria thrive, which is why swimmer’s ear is so common.

Some bacterial infections, like strep throat, are contagious by nature. As a result, the ear infection that comes afterward could unintentionally be spread to others. It’s important to isolate yourself or your child during bacterial illnesses.

The best way to prevent bacterial infections is to wash your hands with antibacterial soap. This removes lingering bacteria that you’ve picked up from door handles, light switches and other high-touch areas.

Is an Ear Infection Contagious?

Ear infections themselves are not contagious. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause colds, strep throat and the flu, which can result in ear infections, can be.

Best Preventive Measures for Ear Infections

The best way to prevent an earache is to practice good hygiene and get vaccinated against common viruses. However, there are additional ways to prevent ear infections in children and adults.

How to Prevent Ear Infections in Children

• Get your child vaccinated against common viruses.
• If bottle-feeding, hold your baby’s head higher than the bottle to encourage liquids to flow down — not into their Eustachian tubes.
• If possible, breastfeed your baby until they are at least 6 months old.
• If your child is sick, keep them home so they do not spread germs.
• Keep your child away from secondhand smoke exposure.
• Limit pacifier use.
• Limit the time they spend in daycare centers, if possible.
• Teach children to cough or sneeze into their elbow to prevent germs from spreading. One fun way to introduce this is by practicing the “vampire cough,” to appear as a vampire using its cape to cover its teeth.
• Teach your child the importance of proper hand-washing and ensure they wash their hands with soap after using the bathroom, before eating and after coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose.
• Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution after swimming. Fill a dropper halfway with the solution and carefully squeeze it into the ear canal to get rid of bacteria that may have entered.

How to Prevent Ear Infections in Adults:

• Avoid getting water in your ears. Keeping your ears dry and clean will reduce the chances for bacteria to settle in and spread.
• Avoid secondhand smoke exposure.
• Don’t drink while lying on your back.
• Get your annual flu shot. Vaccination against infectious diseases can help you avoid ear infections.
• If you’re sick, stay home to stop the spread of germs.
• Manage your cold and allergy symptoms with medication or allergy treatment.
• Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution after swimming. Fill a dropper halfway with the solution and carefully squeeze it into the ear canal to get rid of bacteria that may have entered.
• Wash your hands often to avoid bacteria and viruses.

Of course, some of these risk factors are unavoidable. Use your best judgment when it comes to your and your children’s health.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you notice signs and symptoms of an ear infection in yourself or your child, it’s important to seek medical attention. Getting ear infection treatment early can prevent the infection from progressing, saving both you and your child discomfort, sleep problems and hearing issues.

If you or your child experience ear pressure, fullness, muffled hearing or pain, it’s time to seek treatment. Antibiotics and ear drops can get rid of nasty ear infections. After 24 to 48 hours of treatment, you or your child should start to feel better.

At AdventHealth Centra Care, we offer high-quality urgent care services and pediatric urgent care, including ear infection treatments for children and adults. Our health care professionals can provide you with guidance on treating and recovering from ear infections.

Treat Ear Infections Early at AdventHealth Centra Care

While ear infections themselves don’t spread from person to person, the viruses and bacteria that often lead to ear infections are highly contagious.

If you or your child have been dealing with an earache for more than three days, it’s time to seek medical attention. Schedule an appointment at one of our AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care locations or walk in for treatment today.