Skip to main content

Congestion and sinus infection treatment

Stuffed up? Runny nose? Fever with pain and pressure around your face? Get the relief you need without the wait:

  • Same-day visits: In-person and virtual appointments 
  • The right treatment right away: Sinusitis assessment and on-the-spot medications, if clinically indicated
  • Feel better faster: Patients diagnosed with a bacterial sinus infection typically start seeing improvement within 2 to 3 days days of starting antibiotics*
A sick person wrapped in a blanket on the couch pinches the bridge of their nose to relieve sinus pressure.

Find care

Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available)

Walk-ins welcome — no appointment necessary!

Insurance and pricing

Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

Pre-check coverage

Why MinuteClinic for congestion and sinus infection treatment?

Quick care

Traveling soon, have a big event coming up or already away from home? When you need care in a pinch, MinuteClinic provides fast access with over 800 locations nationwide.

Find a location
A provider talks with a patient in an exam room.

Flexible appointments

Don’t spend all day in an urgent care waiting room. Schedule a same-day or next-day appointment online or walk into your nearest MinuteClinic today. If you can’t get out of bed, we also offer 24/7 Virtual Care®.

Schedule now
A patient on a Virtual Care™️ care visit talks to a provider from their laptop.

On-the-spot relief

Our providers will diagnose your symptoms and create a treatment plan that will get you relief as soon as possible and meets your individual needs — including over-the-counter medication guidance or a prescription, if appropriate.

Get relief now
A pharmacist talks to a patient about medication options.

3 steps to feeling better — what to expect at MinuteClinic

  • 1. Easy check in

    • Online check in: Use your email or text link to check in and to add your payment and insurance information.
    • Kiosk check-in: Just bring your confirmation code.
    • Walk-in appointment? Sign in at the kiosk.

  • 2. Relax while we get things ready for you

    Take a seat in our waiting room. When it’s your turn, we’ll call your name and take you back for your visit.

  • 3. Evaluate your symptoms

    • During your visit: Your provider will talk with you about your symptoms, check your health history and do an exam. 
    • After your visit: You’ll get information about your diagnosis or next steps. You can review your personalized care plan on the CVS Health Dashboard.

Sinus infection and congestion causes, symptoms and treatment

When the air-filled cavities (sinuses) around your cheeks, eyes, forehead and nose become inflamed or swell, you may have a sinus infection (sinusitis).

Normally, when your sinuses are clear, mucus drains easily, which cleans out dirt and bacteria. But when sinuses are congested or blocked with mucus, it creates an environment that allows bacteria, fungi or viruses to multiply quickly and develop into sinusitis.

  • Bad breath despite good oral hygiene
  • Coughing, which may be accompanied by mucus
  • Discolored postnasal drainage
  • Fatigue with aching muscles
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Loss of the sense of smell
  • Nasal congestion or blockage
  • Pain or pressure in the bridge of your cheeks, eyes, forehead or nose
  • Runny nose with a thick green or yellow discharge
  • Tooth pain and aching gums

While sinus infections are not contagious, the virus or bacteria that may have caused them are contagious. The most common causes of sinus infections that are contagious are upper respiratory infections such as the common cold and the flu.

Sinus infections usually last 7 to 10 days days. If symptoms persist after 10 days, a provider may prescribe antibiotics.

You may be more at risk to get sinus infections and congestion if you have one more or the following:

  • Allergic rhinitis (a swelling of the lining inside the nose brought on by the body's reaction to an allergen)
  • A bacterial infection
  • The common cold
  • A deviated septum (a change in the nasal passage shape that creates a constriction)
  • Nasal polyps (small growths on the lining inside the nose)

Antibiotics may be prescribed for a bacterial infection but not for sinus congestion or a viral sinus infection. If you have allergies, taking an antihistamine may be recommended. Home treatment can include the remedies listed below:

  • Lots of rest helps your body recover and use its energy to fight the infection. Resting at home helps prevent the spread of germs to other people.
  • Some patients prefer a nasal saline spray over a neti pot for reducing inflammation and thinning mucus. With neti pots, some patients experience side effects like ear infections and other issues.
  • Drink plenty of water and fluids. Staying well hydrated helps loosen the sinus mucus and clear congestion. Choose fluids like herbal teas, hot water with ginger, honey and lemon, plain water and vegetable broth.
  • Acetaminophen can help bring down a fever.
  • A warm compress on the face can help ease pain and relieve pressure from blocked sinuses.
  • Warm humid air can help loosen mucus and reduce congestion. Use a room vaporizer or inhale steam from a pan filled with warm water.

You may continue to experience pain and discomfort until the symptoms end, or in rare cases, untreated sinusitis can lead to more severe or chronic conditions.

  • *FOR ANTIBIOTICS CLAIM: PartnerMD. How Long Do Antibiotics Take to Work on Sinus Infections? Published December 14, 2022. PartnerMD.com. Accessed August 28, 2025.