Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Infection

As you might think, bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, and viral infections are caused by viruses. Perhaps the most important distinction between bacteria and viruses is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, but they aren't effective against viruses.

1. How do you know if it's bacterial or viral infection?
2. Which is worse bacteria or virus?
3. Are bacterial infections harder to treat than viral infections?
4. Can blood test show viral or bacterial infection?
5. How long do viral infections last?
6. Do viral or bacterial infections last longer?
7. Can Antibiotics kill viruses?
8. What is the fastest way to get rid of a viral infection?
9. Can you get rid of a bacterial infection without antibiotics?
10. Why is it different to treat a bacterial infection versus a viral infection?
11. Can the body fight infection without antibiotics?

How do you know if it's bacterial or viral infection?

Diagnosis of Bacterial and Viral Infections

But your doctor may be able to determine the cause by listening to your medical history and doing a physical exam. If necessary, they also can order a blood or urine test to help confirm a diagnosis, or a "culture test" of tissue to identify bacteria or viruses.

Which is worse bacteria or virus?

Viruses are more dangerous than bacteria as they do cause diseases. In some infections, like pneumonia and diarrhea, it's difficult to determine whether it was caused by bacteria or a virus and testing may be required.

Are bacterial infections harder to treat than viral infections?

Viruses live and replicate inside of a human cell, they cannot live outside of this environment. Viruses insert their genetic material into a human cell's DNA in order to reproduce. Antibiotics cannot kill viruses because bacteria and viruses have different mechanisms and machinery to survive and replicate.

Can blood test show viral or bacterial infection?

US Pharm. 2013;38(10):6. Durham, NC—Researchers at Duke University have developed a blood test that can determine whether respiratory illness is caused by a bacterial infection or a virus, with over 90% accuracy.

How long do viral infections last?

Still, if things don't improve after about 10 days — or if your symptoms are severe — see a doctor. It's possible that you've developed a sinus infection and need antibiotics. What can I do to feel better? A viral infection usually lasts only a week or two.

Do viral or bacterial infections last longer?

In some cases we become more concerned that the infection may be caused by a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections may be the result of "secondary infection" (meaning that the virus initiated the process but a bacteria followed) when the: Symptoms persist longer than the expected 10-14 days a virus tends to last.

Can Antibiotics kill viruses?

Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, bronchitis, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green. Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a viral infection?

But you can find relief faster with these smart moves.

1. Take it easy. When you're sick, your body works hard to fight off that infection. ...
2. Go to bed. Curling up on the couch helps, but don't stay up late watching TV. ...
3. Drink up. ...
4. Gargle with salt water. ...
5. Sip a hot beverage. ...
6. Have a spoonful of honey.

Can you get rid of a bacterial infection without antibiotics?

Even without antibiotics, most people can fight off a bacterial infection, especially if symptoms are mild. About 70 percent of the time, symptoms of acute bacterial sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

Why is it different to treat a bacterial infection versus a viral infection?

Antibiotics, if prescribed and taken correctly, usually can kill bacteria but they are useless against viruses such as the cold and flu. Unlike bacteria, viruses generally require a vaccination to prevent them in the first place or antiviral drugs to treat them.

Can the body fight infection without antibiotics?

Once unfriendly bacteria enter your body, your body's immune system tries to fight them off. But oftentimes, your body can't fight the infection naturally, and you need to take antibiotics — medication that kills the bacteria.