<s>[INST] Are ear infections contagious? [/INST] Ear infections alone are not contagious. As the fluid is stuck behind the ear drum, it cannot be passed on to someone else. However, ear infections are frequently, but not always, the result of or accompanied by an upper respiratory infection. Additional symptoms such as coughing, nasal congestion, and drainage, may indicate a contagious upper respiratory infection. Source: LURIE CHILDRENS.ORG. Link: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/ear-infections-in-older-children-faq/. Field: Otolaryngology. Disease: Ear Infection </s>