Grand Canyon 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.

Dr. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center says people who experience symptoms of sinus infections should seek treatment as soon as possible to keep the situation from getting worse.

"There have been multiple studies that show the earlier that you intervene in the disease process, the better the long-term outcomes," Lee told the Grand Canyon Times. "So you never want to wait until your sinuses are an absolute mess, because your outcomes are probably not going to be as good, and you may need repeat procedures to help to completely eliminate the infection or the inflammation. And the earlier we intervene, the better the patients do."

According to Cision PR Newswire, a survey by the National Confectioners Association found that 93% of Americans were planning to celebrate Halloween in some way.

Mingling over a holiday weekend could expose you to more germs than usual, as public gatherings and events increase the risk of transmitting or catching a sinus infection, according to WebMD. Sinus infections themselves aren't contagious, but the viruses that can cause those infections can be. Such viruses are spread through the air, meaning those with sinus infections should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and wash their hands often. People who aren't sick should wash their hands often and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth to avoid catching germs.

While common colds and allergy symptoms are more likely in the fall, during Halloween and in the winter, those allergies and colds can devolve into sinus infections. According to the Houston Chronicle, allergies, colds and sinus infections have many of the same symptoms, making it hard to distinguish between the two.

Dr. Tran Locke -- an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who works at Baylor College of Medicine -- said that if symptoms such as congestion last for more than 10 days, it may be time to seek medical attention. Other symptoms include a feeling of pressure in the face, decreased sense of smell, tooth pain or a fever. While some patients can resolve their symptoms through medication, a minimally invasive surgery might be a better option in order to treat the underlying condition, Locke told the Houston Chronicle.

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.