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Online Sinus Infection Treatment in Florida for Adults

Fast MD-only sinus care by secure online video visit for adults in Florida, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.

Sinus pressure, facial pain, congestion, and thick nasal discharge are common with acute rhinosinusitis. Most cases are viral and improve with time and supportive care, while a smaller number meet criteria for true bacterial sinus infection that may benefit from antibiotics. Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based criteria to distinguish viral vs bacterial sinusitis via telehealth, avoid unnecessary antibiotics, and prescribe evidence-based treatment when appropriate.

  • Board-certified MD every visit (no mid-levels)
  • $49 flat-fee video visit, adults in Florida
  • No insurance required; HSA/FSA friendly
  • Available in 25+ states, including Florida
  • Guideline-based viral vs bacterial sinus evaluation
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What Is a Sinus Infection (Acute Rhinosinusitis)?

Acute rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses, usually following a viral upper respiratory infection. Symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pressure or pain, purulent nasal discharge, and reduced sense of smell. The majority of cases are viral and resolve within 7 to 10 days without antibiotics.

A subset of patients develop acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, typically defined by persistent symptoms lasting 10 or more days without improvement, severe onset with high fever and purulent discharge for at least 3 to 4 consecutive days, or a “double worsening” pattern after initial improvement. TeleDirectMD focuses on identifying which adults in Florida can be safely managed by telehealth and when antibiotics are appropriate based on these guideline-based criteria.

Symptoms and Red Flags for Adult Sinus Infections

The table below summarizes common sinus symptoms, what they may suggest, and when they are appropriate for telehealth vs when urgent in-person or emergency evaluation is needed.

Symptom What it suggests Telehealth appropriate? Red flag requiring urgent in-person or ER care
Nasal congestion and stuffiness Very common with viral or bacterial rhinosinusitis and common cold Yes, if mild to moderate without severe breathing difficulty Severe difficulty breathing through the nose with stridor or concern for airway compromise
Facial pressure or pain over cheeks or forehead Inflamed or obstructed sinus cavities; may be viral or bacterial Yes, if pain is mild to moderate and no neurologic symptoms Severe, sudden onset pain; swelling around the eye; confusion; or neurologic changes
Thick yellow or green nasal discharge Inflammation with mucus; may be viral or bacterial Yes, especially if symptoms are under 10 days or gradually improving Persistent purulent discharge with high fever and severe facial pain for 3 to 4 days or longer
Reduced sense of smell Common in rhinosinusitis due to swollen nasal mucosa Yes, often appropriate for telehealth Sudden vision changes, double vision, or neurologic symptoms alongside smell loss
Cough, especially at night Postnasal drip from sinus inflammation or upper airway irritation Yes, if mild to moderate and breathing comfortably Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, or coughing up blood
Fever < 100.4°F (38°C) Can occur with viral infections and early bacterial sinusitis Yes, if low-grade and you appear otherwise stable Fever ≥ 100.4°F (38°C) for 3 to 4 days with severe facial pain or systemic illness
Periorbital swelling or redness Possible spread of infection around the eye Telehealth may triage but usually requires in-person evaluation Significant eyelid swelling, pain with eye movements, or vision changes suggesting orbital cellulitis
Severe headache, neck stiffness, or confusion Concerning for complications such as meningitis or intracranial spread No. Not appropriate for telehealth alone Medical emergency requiring immediate ER evaluation

Conditions That Can Mimic a Sinus Infection

Several conditions cause nasal and facial symptoms that can resemble sinusitis. During your video visit, the MD will ask targeted questions to distinguish among:

  • Common cold (viral upper respiratory infection): Congestion, runny nose, mild sore throat, and cough typically improving within 7 to 10 days.
  • Allergic rhinitis: Sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, clear drainage, and seasonal or environmental triggers.
  • Migraine or tension headache: Facial and head pain without significant nasal discharge or congestion.
  • Dental infection: Upper tooth pain that may radiate to the maxillary sinus area.
  • Chronic rhinosinusitis: Longer-term symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more, often requiring ENT involvement.
  • COVID-19 or influenza: Systemic symptoms such as fever, body aches, and fatigue with respiratory features.

If your history suggests a diagnosis that cannot be safely confirmed or managed by telehealth alone, such as complicated sinusitis or neurologic involvement, we will direct you to in-person care in Florida and explain what to request at urgent care, an emergency department, or an ENT clinic.

When a Florida Video Visit Is Appropriate for Sinus Symptoms

Many adults with uncomplicated sinus symptoms can be evaluated and treated safely through an MD-only telehealth visit. The checklists below outline when TeleDirectMD is a good fit and when in-person or ER care is safer.

Video Visit Is Usually Appropriate When

  • You are an adult located in Florida (age 18 or older).
  • You have nasal congestion, facial pressure, and thick discharge without severe red-flag symptoms.
  • Your symptoms are less than 10 days in duration or gradually improving.
  • You do not have fever ≥ 100.4°F (38°C) for 3 to 4 consecutive days.
  • You do not have eye swelling, vision changes, or neurologic symptoms.
  • You can breathe comfortably, speak in full sentences, and drink fluids.
  • You can review your medications, allergies, and medical history via video.

Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care

  • Fever ≥ 100.4°F (38°C) lasting 3 to 4 days with severe facial pain or swelling.
  • Periorbital swelling, redness, pain with eye movements, or vision changes.
  • Severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, or neurologic changes.
  • Facial swelling, severe tooth pain, or signs of spreading facial infection.
  • Shortness of breath at rest, chest pain, or difficulty speaking full sentences.
  • Immunocompromised state with rapidly worsening symptoms.
  • Recent facial trauma or sinus surgery with new severe symptoms.

How TeleDirectMD Treats Sinus Infections in Florida

During your $49 MD-only video visit, the physician will determine whether your symptoms are most consistent with viral rhinosinusitis, acute bacterial sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or another condition. We emphasize antibiotic stewardship: most viral sinus infections do not require antibiotics, and even some cases of suspected bacterial sinusitis can be observed with close follow-up before starting antibiotics.

Supportive Care for Viral and Early Sinus Infections

  • Saline nasal rinses or sprays to thin mucus and improve drainage.
  • Intranasal corticosteroid sprays when indicated for inflammation and allergies.
  • Short-term oral decongestants or nasal decongestant sprays (with time limits) if appropriate for you.
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for facial pain or headache, if safe in your case.
  • Hydration, humidified air, and rest to support your immune response.

When We Consider Antibiotics

Antibiotics are reserved for adults with features suggesting acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, such as symptoms lasting 10 or more days without improvement, severe onset with high fever and purulent nasal discharge for several days, or a double-worsening pattern after initial improvement. We do not use systemic fluoroquinolones for uncomplicated sinusitis whenever alternatives exist.

Examples of Evidence-Based Antibiotic Choices

When antibiotics are appropriate, common options may include amoxicillin-clavulanate or doxycycline, tailored to your allergy history and risk factors. The MD will also review potential drug interactions and previous antibiotic exposure.

Common Medications for Adult Sinus Infections

Medication Dose (adults) Duration When we may use it
Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875 mg by mouth BID 5 to 7 days First-line antibiotic for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in many adults without penicillin allergy
Doxycycline 100 mg by mouth BID 5 to 7 days Alternative for adults with certain allergies or risk factors when appropriate
Intranasal corticosteroid spray 1 to 2 sprays per nostril daily Variable Reduces nasal inflammation and congestion, especially when allergies contribute
Saline nasal spray or irrigation As directed Ongoing during illness Nonmedicated option to thin mucus and improve sinus drainage
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen Per package or MD guidance Short term Pain and fever relief when not contraindicated

Final medication choice, dose, and duration are always individualized based on your age, kidney and liver function, allergies, other health conditions, medication list, and current guidelines at the time of your visit. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances and avoids systemic fluoroquinolones for uncomplicated sinusitis whenever alternatives exist.

Home Care, Recovery, and Return-to-Work Guidance

Most viral sinus infections improve over 7 to 10 days, while bacterial cases that receive appropriate antibiotics often begin to feel better within 48 to 72 hours. Your MD will review what to expect and when to seek follow-up.

Home Care Tips

  • Use saline rinses or sprays regularly to help clear mucus.
  • Take medications exactly as prescribed and complete any antibiotic course if started.
  • Use a humidifier or inhale steam to ease congestion, if safe for you.
  • Sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce sinus pressure.
  • Seek care promptly if symptoms worsen, new red flags appear, or there is no improvement over the expected timeframe.

Return-to-Work Considerations

Many adults can continue working with mild sinus symptoms if they feel well enough and can manage congestion. If fatigue, pain, or sleep disruption makes work difficult, a short rest period may help. TeleDirectMD can usually provide a brief note confirming evaluation. We do not complete FMLA, disability, or long-term workplace accommodation forms.

About TeleDirectMD’s Online Sinus Care in Florida

TeleDirectMD is a physician-led virtual urgent care service providing MD-only video visits for adults in Florida and 25+ other states. Each visit is a $49 flat-fee with no insurance required. We focus on conditions that can be safely managed through telehealth, use guideline-based criteria to distinguish viral vs bacterial sinus infections, and prescribe antibiotics only when clinically indicated. Visits are conducted by secure video, and most prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy within minutes of the visit when appropriate. TeleDirectMD is not a replacement for the emergency department; if you have red-flag symptoms or feel severely ill, call 911 or seek in-person care immediately.

Florida Sinus Infection Telehealth: Frequently Asked Questions

Can TeleDirectMD treat sinus infections in Florida by video visit?

Yes. TeleDirectMD provides MD-only online video visits for adults located in Florida who have sinus symptoms such as congestion, facial pressure, and thick nasal discharge without severe red-flag features. During the visit, the physician uses guideline-based criteria to distinguish viral vs bacterial sinusitis and decide whether antibiotics or supportive care are most appropriate.

How do you tell viral from bacterial sinus infections?

Viral sinus infections typically improve within 7 to 10 days and may have milder symptoms. Acute bacterial sinusitis is more likely when symptoms last 10 or more days without improvement, there is severe onset with fever and purulent discharge for several days, or a double-worsening pattern after initial improvement. Your MD will review your symptom timeline and severity to decide whether antibiotics are appropriate.

When is a sinus infection serious enough for urgent in-person or ER care?

You should seek urgent in-person or emergency care if you have fever 100.4°F (38°C) or higher for several days with severe facial pain, eye swelling, vision changes, stiff neck, confusion, or neurologic symptoms. These may indicate complications such as orbital cellulitis or meningitis that cannot be managed safely by telehealth alone.

Can you prescribe antibiotics for sinus infections during the Florida video visit?

Yes. If your TeleDirectMD physician determines that your symptoms meet criteria for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis and antibiotics are likely to help, they can prescribe an appropriate oral antibiotic, such as amoxicillin-clavulanate or doxycycline when indicated, and send it electronically to a Florida pharmacy of your choice. We avoid fluoroquinolones for uncomplicated sinusitis whenever alternatives exist.

Do all sinus infections need antibiotics?

No. Most sinus infections are viral and improve with supportive care alone. Unnecessary antibiotics can cause side effects, resistance, and disruption of normal flora. TeleDirectMD follows guideline-based criteria to reserve antibiotics for cases where bacterial infection is likely and benefits outweigh risks.

What home treatments can help my sinus symptoms?

Helpful measures include saline nasal rinses or sprays, intranasal corticosteroid sprays when appropriate, short-term decongestants if safe for you, pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, humidified air, and adequate hydration. Your MD will review which options are appropriate for your specific health profile.

Do I need imaging, such as a CT scan, for a sinus infection?

Most uncomplicated acute sinus infections do not require imaging. CT scans are generally reserved for recurrent, chronic, or complicated cases, or when there is concern for orbital or intracranial complications. If your TeleDirectMD physician suspects a more complex issue, they may recommend in-person evaluation and imaging through an ENT or other local specialist.

How quickly can I be seen and get medications in Florida?

Same-day and often near-immediate video visits are usually available. Most sinus infection visits take about 10 to 15 minutes. When medications are appropriate, prescriptions are typically sent electronically to your chosen Florida pharmacy within minutes after the visit is completed.

How much does an online sinus infection visit cost with TeleDirectMD?

Each adult sinus infection visit with TeleDirectMD is a $49 flat-fee MD-only video visit. We do not bill insurance, but you may be able to use HSA or FSA funds when permitted. Medication costs are separate and depend on the pharmacy and any coverage you may have.

Can you help if I have frequent or chronic sinus problems?

TeleDirectMD can often evaluate recurrent sinus symptoms, optimize medical therapy, and discuss allergy management. However, chronic or frequently recurrent sinusitis may require in-person evaluation by an ENT specialist, nasal endoscopy, or imaging. If we see patterns suggesting a chronic condition, we will outline next steps and help you coordinate local follow-up in Florida.