When you or your child comes down with an earache, one of the first questions that might pop into your mind is, “Are ear infections contagious?” It’s a fair question — especially with young children sharing toys and sneezing freely. The short answer is: ear infections themselves aren’t contagious, but the germs that cause them can be.
What Causes Ear Infections?
Most ear infections happen after having an upper respiratory infection like a cold, or from allergies. The swelling and fluid buildup within the ear creates the perfect environment for bacteria to settle in and cause trouble. So while you can’t “catch” someone’s ear infection, you can catch a cold or other virus if that’s what caused it.
Who Gets Ear Infections?
Kids are especially prone to ear infections — partly because their immune systems are still developing, but also because their ear structures are smaller and more prone to trapping fluid. And since children aren’t known for keeping their hands (and noses) to themselves, the germs that cause the illnesses ear infections stem from are easily spread among young family members or friends.
When to See a Provider
If you or your child has any of the following symptoms, it’s important to be evaluated by a healthcare provider:
- Persistent or severe ear pain
- Drainage from the ear
- A fussy child that pulls at their ear(s)
- Fever, especially after just getting over a cold or respiratory illness