If you have ever had a bacterial infection like pneumonia or strep throat, you have probably had antibiotics before! Antibiotics are one of the most reliable treatments against bacterial infections.

When you are feeling ill, seeking relief is usually your No. 1 priority, so it is important to know what you are suffering from to get the proper treatment! If you are wondering if a course of antibiotics is right for you, check out our latest blog from our team at AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail below.

How Can I Tell If My Infection is Bacterial?

That is the tricky part! Infections can be both bacterial and viral, so knowing which one you have is critical to receiving the proper treatment. Viral infections are not able to be treated by antibiotics, so taking them against a virus will not help you.

Only a medical provider is able to assess your symptoms and run the tests needed to determine whether or not a course of antibiotics is right for you. Usually you get the results of a lab test within a day or so, and can start taking your prescription right away.

Bacterial Infections That Are Common

• UTI (urinary tract infection)
• Strep Throat
• Ear or Sinus Infections
• Bacterial Pneumonias

Do All Antibiotics Work The Same?

No! This is why it is so important to be seen by a medical provider and receive a proper prescription. Taking a few pills from an old prescription or taking a prescription that was not prescribed to you is never a good idea. Only the right antibiotic for the specific infection can help relieve your symptoms.

There is a delicate balance between proper and irresponsible antibiotic use. You need to take your entire prescription, even if you begin to feel better! If you don’t, you could be contributing to antibiotic resistance and creating a superinfection that cannot be treated by our modern medicine practices anymore.

Signs That An Infection Is Causing Your Symptoms

• Pain in the area of concern
• Swelling at the site
• Fever
• Muscle aches

If you need help determining what kind of infection you have, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail to see if antibiotics are the treatment for you!