Diagnosed With Allergic Rhinitis. Is This A Contagious Disease?

Posted on Tue, 26 Mar 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 Answered on

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Today, I was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. I live with my son and his family (ages 5,2,and 2 days old) in separate living quarters. The doctor told me not to have contact with the children for four days. I am disappointed and sad, especially not being able to hold my newest grandchild. What is your opinion?

Answered by Dr. Sundar Gnanavel (4 hours later)

Hello
Thanks for your query. I understand your disappointment at not being able to play with your grandchild. Allergic rhinitis is as such not contagious. However many a time it might be actually viral rhinitis or some secondary bacterial infection. In these cases it is better not to handle small children since their immune system is already immature and they are prone for infections. Hence I would second your physician s advice. Wish you and your family good health.
Regards
Dr Sundar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar