Can a sinus infection cause hives? symptoms: day 1 - headache, 2 - headache, chills, body aches, 3 - hives, aches - nasal congestion, sinus pressure

Well...yes: It is not the sinus infection that causes hives, but whatever us causing that infection. Hives can be common with many kinds of infections, especially viral ones, which are main causes of respiratory and sings problems. Your symptoms sound very much like a viral infection which can usually be treated symptomatically, without antibiotics.