The Differences Between a Virus and Bacterial Infection
We 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.
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.
How Germs are Spread? - Boys Town Pediatrics
You can't see them but germs live everywhere. You can come into contact with germs at school, work, day care, and yes - even during play. These invisible creatures have the potential to turn into colds, flus, and other contagious infections, Viral and bacterial infections are spread the same way. When someone coughs or sneezes, contagious respiratory droplets are transported into the air and can be inhaled by someone over 3 feet away. Both viruses and bacteria can live on surfaces such as desktops and door handles for more than 2 hour. These germs are spread when a person touches the contaminated area and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. There is really no way to prevent your child from coming in contact with germs but there are steps you can take to help prevent them from spreading, such as encouraging your child to wash his or her hands after meals and playing with toys. Hand sanitizers are just as effective as soap and water. If your child is sick, keep him or her home from daycare, school, the grocery store, and other public places where he or she could spread the infection.
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 infection
Key signs include:
- symptoms lasting longer than 10–14 days
- fever can become exceptionally high
- fever gets worse over time rather than improving
Viral infection
Key signs include:
- if due to influenza virus (“the flu”), symptoms respond well to antiviral medication (within the first 48 hours)
- fever eases with time
- fever is uncomfortable but usually not dangerous
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:
- release toxins
- may multiply very quickly to dominate an area
- kill cells
- can lead to a dangerously high immune response
Common bacterial infections include:
Bacterial skin infections
Staphylococcus and Streptococcus cause skin infections, such as:
- impetigo
- cellulitis
- methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Bacterial respiratory infection
Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium commonly causes pneumonia.
Pneumonia presents with lung inflammation and is a very serious and sometimes lethal infection.
Other symptoms include:
- fever
- coughing up blood
- labored breathing
- breathlessness
- rapid heartbeat
Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Bacterial STIs include:
- chlamydia
- gonorrhea
- mycoplasma genitalium
- syphilis
- bacterial vaginosis
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 infections
Common viral skin infections include :
- chickenpox
- molluscum contagiosum
- shingles
- roseola
Viral respiratory infections
Common respiratory viruses include:
Coronaviruses
According 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 viruses
Influenza viruses cause influenza, also called “the flu.” People who get flu typically experience:
- sore throat
- cough
- headache
- body aches
- fever
People with a common cold experience less severe symptoms and rarely develop fever.
Viral STIs
Viral STIs include:
- HIV
- hepatitis B virus
- herpes simplex virus
- human papilloma virus (HPV)
Bacteria and viruses move from one person to another by:
- Touch: If people do not wash their hands, they can transmit bacteria and viruses onto other surfaces, including food.
- Droplets: When a person sneezes or coughs, they create droplets that carry viruses and bacteria, which another person can inhale.
- Injury: Some bacteria and viruses enter the body through cuts and puncture wounds.
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:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): This test can help to detect infection due to many viruses, including HIV and bacterial infections such as Lyme disease.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): This test sequences the DNA of microorganisms, and can detect viral infections, such as HPV, in addition to bacterial infections including, Escherichia coli (E. coli).
- Electron microscopy: This type of imaging can be used to identify rare viral and bacterial infections that require high resolution to detect. However, because electron microscopy is an expensive diagnostic tool, doctors rarely request it.
Treatment for bacteria and viruses is different, and consequently, a prompt diagnosis is very important.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics 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:
- oral forms, such as pills, capsules, and liquids
- ear drops and eye drops
- topical forms, such as creams, ointments, and sprays
If the infection is more severe, a doctor may recommend an antibiotic injection, intravenous infusion, or drip.
Antivirals
Antiviral 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:
- washing their hands
- bandaging cuts
- covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze
- receiving vaccinations
- seeking advice before traveling to tropical destinations
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.