Are ear infections contagious to others?

No: Ear infections are not contagious in that they do not spread person to person directly. That is, you can be in a room with someone and you will not get there ear infection.

No: The upper respiratory infection that may precede the ear infection can easily spread to susceptible contacts. However, the events that result in the invasion of a kids middle ear by germs are not.

No: Ear infections are not contagious. It can recur though.

No: Although the cold that may have preceded the ear infection may be contagious, the otitis is not.Common throat germs from the kids own mouth & throat will invade the ear from the eustachian tube if conditions are favorable. Once there, they are confined to the middle ear space.