Common symptoms
Unrelenting sinus pain and pressure
We get it, sinus pain can be unbearable. And when your head is pounding, your face is throbbing and you can’t breathe through your nose – you just want relief, fast. A virus, bacteria or allergy can cause sinus openings to swell – trapping mucus and becoming a breeding ground for infection.
Swollen and inflamed sinus passages cause pressure to build behind your forehead, cheeks, eyes and nose. The result? You experience pain and discomfort.
- Headache and facial pain
- Nasal blockage
- Thick and colored mucus
- Fever
To treat a sinus infection or sinusitis effectively, we need to understand the underlying cause. Our nurse practitioners get to the bottom of what’s behind your sinus infection and tailor a treatment plan to clear up the infection and get you feeling better, fast. Your plan may include an antibiotic, expectorant to thin mucus, nasal spray, over‑the‑counter pain meds and self‑care tips.
1. Tell us about your symptoms
A simple questionnaire helps us understand more about how you’re feeling.
2. Quick diagnosis by an expert
A certified nurse practitioner reviews your answers and tailors a treatment plan to your symptoms.
3. Treatment plan and prescriptions
A text and email are sent to you when your plan is ready. If needed, we’ll send prescriptions to your pharmacy.
You never pay more than $59 for a diagnosis, treatment plan and follow-up care. And, if you choose to use insurance, you'll likely pay less.
Sinus Infection
Frequently asked questions
Can Virtuwell really diagnose me without seeing me in person?
Yes, and here's why: We ask the same questions you'd hear in a doctor's office – but online. Our nurse practitioners review your case and use their expertise and judgment to recommend the right treatment. If they need more information, they'll call you. And if you have any questions about your diagnosis or treatment plan, simply request a follow-up to discuss with a nurse practitioner.
Are antibiotics the answer for all sinus infections?
Antibiotics are designed to attack bacteria, not viruses. When signs point to a bacterial infection, treatment often includes an antibiotic. However, prescribing antibiotics for viral infections is ineffective at best and increasingly irresponsible at worst. As the understanding of antibiotics grows, the goal is to prescribe antibiotics appropriately, lessening the risk of antibiotic resistance.
What do I get with my treatment plan?
Treatment plans include your diagnosis and recommended medications, including prescriptions. You'll pick up and pay for any prescriptions at your pharmacy, just like a typical clinic visit. We'll also outline what you can expect while following your treatment plan and future prevention tips. Plus, any follow-up care related to the visit are included, free of charge.
My mucus is green or yellow, does that mean I need an antibiotic?
Colored mucus - whether green, yellow, or something in between – does not tell us if a sinus infection is viral or bacterial. The color comes from dead white blood cells and other waste products and is simply a sign that your body's immune system is fighting an infection.
Is the prescription included in the $59 or is there a separate cost?
Prescriptions are a separate cost. You pay for your medication at the pharmacy, just like a typical clinic visit. Prescription costs can vary, but we try to keep costs low by prescribing generic brands when possible. We can also make adjustments if there is any concern about the cost of your prescription.
What if I'm not feeling better?
If your treatment plan isn't working for you, follow-up care and any adjustments related to your initial visit are included at no charge. Simply select Help in your treatment plan to Request a Follow-up with a nurse practitioner.