What Is The Difference Between Bacterial Infections and Viral Infections?
General Health & Wellness Children's Health
September 19, 2022
We've all been there: fever, sore throat, clogged ears and general misery. But what's causing your illness -- and how can you treat it? Our Franciscan Health experts weigh in on the differences between bacterial infections and viral infections.
What Are Bacterial Infections?
Chances are good that your household deals with at least a handful of bacterial infections every year. Microbes (bacteria) can enter the body through a wound or through an airway, causing illness. Bacteria also can reproduce quickly throughout your body. The most common type of bacterial infections include:
Illnesses like sinus infections and pneumonia can be either bacterial or viral. Luckily, your healthcare provider can prescribe antibiotics to treat specific types of bacterial infections.
What Are Viral Infections?
Viral infections are far more common than bacterial infections. Unfortunately, antibiotics can't help viral infections, although a few anti-viral medications can help to ease symptoms.
The most common viruses include:
- Certain types of pneumonia
- Colds
- Cough/bronchitis
- Diarrhea
- Fevers
- Flu
- Runny nose/congestion
- Sore throats
- Vomiting
"We all get viruses each year -- and it's wonderful how frequently our bodies can fight off these infections," said board-certified internal medicine physician Nancy Gamarra Flores, MD at Franciscan Health. "However, the occasional cold, flu and stomach virus will still find a way to make you ill. You can help reduce your risk by washing your hands frequently and taking a multivitamin to boost your immune system."
Can Antibiotics Help Me Feel Better?
If you're feeling ill, you're no doubt looking for medicine to help you feel better and return to your daily life. But can antibiotics help? That depends if you're ill with a viral or bacterial infection.
Antibiotics can kill or disable specific types of bacteria -- meaning that an antibiotic for a skin infection might not work to improve your sinus infection symptoms. Using the wrong antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection can help the bacteria become resistant to that antibiotic. Using an antibiotic to treat a viral infection will also cause antibiotic resistance -- making it less effective.
It's essential to take any antibiotic for the prescribed amount of time. It's tempting to stop taking medicine once you start feeling better -- but resist the temptation! Not finishing your antibiotic causes your body to develop antibiotic resistance -- meaning the next time you need antibiotics; the medicine might not work.
At-Home Treatment Options When You're Not Feeling Well
No matter if a virus or bacteria is causing you to feel poorly, give your body the time it needs to fight off the illness. Our Franciscan Health experts recommend the following tips to help with symptoms:
- Fluids
- Netipot or saline spray for congestion
- Over-the-counter medications (Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Dayquil)
- Rest
"It's okay not to have an appetite when you're sick -- hydration is more critical when you're fighting an illness," said Dr. Flores. "Drink lots of fluids and get as much rest as possible to help your body clear the illness quickly."
