A 42-yeаr-оld wоmаn cоmes to your office complаining of severe facial pain in the region of her right maxilla, fever and purulent discharge from the right side of her nose. All of the symptoms started with the onset of an upper respiratory infection about 3 days ago. She is taking no medications and has no known drug allergies. Her temperature is elevated at 100.9 degrees. There is tenderness over the maxillary sinuses and a greenish discharge in her right naris. The rest of her examination is unremarkable. Which of the following statements concerning this condition is (are) true?