The Differences Between a Virus and Bacterial InfectionWe need to always differentiate between a virus and a bacteria that is causing the illness when you’re in clinic. If it’s a viral illness, typically symptoms are shorter lasting and classically the symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and a lot of times you can have some body aches. A lot of times the symptoms last for maybe three days to a week and then slowly get better over time. Sometimes the cough can be persistent up to a month. Show
On the other hand if there’s a bacterial infection, a lot of times that can happen secondary to a virus, so sometimes you have viral symptoms at the onset and then over time then you develop a secondary infection. Sometimes that is a sinus infection so there’s more nasal congestion and headache. Sometimes that can be acute bronchitis which is irritation and inflammation of the chest and the lining of the lungs. Sometimes that can be an ear infection or strep throat, so a lot of times if somebody has symptoms of a viral illness will actually not have them come into the office and talk about some conservative measures you can do at home, but then if there’s ever any concerns of a bacterial infection, then we’ll have people come in the clinic for evaluation. For viral illnesses there is a lot of things that you can do over the counter to help your symptoms. Unfortunately there is no medication that we can give that will speed your recovery, so mainly it’s making you feel better while your body’s fighting off the infection over about a week’s time. So some of the best things you can take over-the-counter are anti-inflammatory medicines, things like ibuprofen or Tylenol. What that does is it helps with body aches, fevers, chills, sore throat, and other aches and pains related to the illness. Other things that you can take are over-the-counter decongestants, something like Sudafed which is pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine which is in a lot of combination cough and cold medicines. What that does is help clear up the nose so helps with congestion of the nose and helps dry it out so there’s less runny nose. Other things that we will tell people to take, is over-the-counter guaifenesin which is Mucinex. It’s an expectorant which means it helps thin the secretions and loosen the cough. Sometimes antihistamines can help, sometimes not and then also for cough suppression, one of the best things that we recommend over the counter is dextromethorphan which brand name would be Delsym or Robitussin, they can help calm down the cough. You’d call the clinic and usually talk to the nurses to see if you need to be evaluated and then based on what’s going on, based on your exam, we talk about whether you need antibiotics at that time. For a viral illness, unfortunately there is no medicine like an antibacterial or an antiviral medicine that will speed the recovery. We really just treat the symptoms, whereas if it’s a bacterial infection, that’s when we use antibiotics. We don’t use antibiotics for viral infections because it does not speed the recovery and we could be introducing you to side effects and problems related to the medicine.
Infectious disease is a major cause of social and economic instability, with pathogenic bacteria and viruses accounting for most cases worldwide. That said, colonization does not necessarily cause infectious disease, as some viruses and bacteria can multiply within the body without causing harm. Bacteria and viruses exert their effect in similar ways, for example, by killing cells. However, bacteria can also cause the body to mount an excessive immune response, which in itself can cause significant damage to the body. In order to reduce the rate of bacterial and viral infections, scientists spend a lot of time learning how these pathogens interact with the body. Only then can they sufficiently prevent or treat the spread of disease. Read on to learn more about the difference between bacterial and viral infections. Initially, the body responds in a similar way to a bacterial or viral infection. Early symptoms usually indicate the body is trying to rid itself of a pathogen. A high temperature, for example, can inactivate viruses and help to denature bacteria, which is why fever is an initial infection symptom. Another immune response is to produce more interferon, a substance that plays a part in the body’s defense system. Interferon helps to stop viruses and bacteria from reproducing. However, in concentrated amounts, it can make someone feel tired and achy. Common differences between bacterial and viral infections are the following: Bacterial infectionKey signs include:
Viral infectionKey signs include:
Bacterial infection occurs when one or more bacteria have entered the body and begin to multiply. However, not all bacterial infections cause disease. Bacteria have evolved to evade or manipulate the body’s immune system. So when pathogenic bacteria enter the body, they:
Common bacterial infections include: Bacterial skin infectionsStaphylococcus and Streptococcus cause skin infections, such as:
Bacterial respiratory infectionStreptococcus pneumoniae bacterium commonly causes pneumonia. Pneumonia presents with lung inflammation and is a very serious and sometimes lethal infection. Other symptoms include:
Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs)Bacterial STIs include:
Viruses are packets of DNA or RNA encased in a protein shell. Outside of the body, they lack the ability to reproduce. However, upon entering a living organism, the virus invades its cells and seizes control over the cell’s metabolic machinery to make copies of itself. After the virus makes enough copies, the cell bursts releasing them to infect more cells. There are many different types of viral infections. Viral skin infectionsCommon viral skin infections include :
Viral respiratory infectionsCommon respiratory viruses include: CoronavirusesAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are multiple different types of coronavirus. Some cause minor cold-like symptoms, while others result in severe health complications. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new type of coronavirus. People exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus may go on to develop the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Influenza and cold virusesInfluenza viruses cause influenza, also called “the flu.” People who get flu typically experience:
People with a common cold experience less severe symptoms and rarely develop fever. Viral STIsViral STIs include:
Bacteria and viruses move from one person to another by:
To determine if a person has a viral or bacterial infection, a doctor will usually ask questions about their symptoms and perform a physical exam. To confirm a diagnosis, they may request tests, such as:
Treatment for bacteria and viruses is different, and consequently, a prompt diagnosis is very important. AntibioticsAntibiotics are medicines that either kill or stop bacteria from reproducing. Different types of antibiotics target different bacterial infections. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. Antibiotics are available in the following forms:
If the infection is more severe, a doctor may recommend an antibiotic injection, intravenous infusion, or drip. AntiviralsAntiviral drugs are medicines that work to stop viruses from reproducing. Each antiviral medication usually works on one specific virus or only a group of viruses. Remdesivir was the first antiviral to receive approval for the treatment of COVID-19 in October 2020. Preventing bacterial and viral infections is the best action to take to stop the spread of disease. Steps people can take to protect themselves include:
Bacteria and viruses are different types of microorganisms, and some cause disease. Doctors typically use antibiotics to treat bacterial infections and antivirals for some viral infections. However, some infections are untreatable. The best way to prevent any type of infection is with good hygiene. Vaccines are an effective method for preventing certain viral and bacterial infections. A person should speak with their doctor if they think they have an infection. How can you tell if an infection is viral or bacterial?Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, while viral infections are caused by viruses.. Symptoms persist longer than the expected 10-14 days a virus tends to last.. Fever is higher than one might typically expect from a virus.. Fever gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving.. Does viral or bacterial need antibiotics?Antibiotics are drugs that kill bacteria germs and can only treat sickness caused by bacteria, also known as a bacterial infection. This includes strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTI) and many skin infections. Antibiotics don't work on sickness caused by virus germs, also known as a viral infection.
Is bacterial contagious or viral?Many bacterial infections are contagious, meaning that they can be transmitted from person to person. There are many ways this can occur, including: close contact with a person who has a bacterial infection, including touching and kissing.
How do I know if my cold is viral or bacterial?You may have developed a bacterial infection if: symptoms last longer than 10 to 14 days. symptoms continue to get worse rather than improve over several days. you have a higher fever than normally observed with a cold.
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Whats the difference between a viral and a bacterial infection
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