One morning, you wake up with a fever and fatigue, leaving you uncertain about what’s wrong. A search online offers too many answers, so you rest, call a doctor, take some medicine, and order some comfort food from Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina. With similar symptoms, viral and bacterial infections are tricky to tell apart, which is why our AFC Oak Ridge clinic is here for accurate treatment and care.
What is a Virus Infection?
Viral infections occur when viruses infect the body, targeting healthy cells. These microorganisms replicate by using the host cells, which can sometimes result in their destruction.
Some common viral infections are:
- Salmonella
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Tuberculosis
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Vibrio vulnificus
- Heliobacter pylori (H. pylori)
- Bacterial meningitis
What is a Bacterial Infection?
Bacteria are microscopic organisms that live in and on our bodies. While many are harmless or helpful, pathogenic bacteria can invade and cause infections.
Some common bacterial infections are:
- Common cold
- Flu
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Measles
- Mumps
How Infections Spread
Many bacterial and viral infections are contagious and can be spread by:
- Coming into close contact with others with an infection
- Coming in contact with infected body fluids
- Getting bitten by an infected insect
- Coming in contact with contaminated surfaces
- Consuming contaminated food or water
How to Handle Infections Properly
Viral Infection:
With viral infections, there’s often no specific treatment available. Symptom relief is usually the primary focus while the virus takes its natural course.
Bacterial Infection:
Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, which work by preventing bacteria from growing. Completing your full prescription is crucial to avoid antibiotic resistance and ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Relieving Symptoms from Home:
When you’re managing an infection at home, consider these steps to ease your symptoms:
- Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Soothe a sore throat with warm salt water gargles.
- Rest as much as you can to give your body time to heal.
- Use a humidifier to clear up nasal congestion.
- Rely on OTC medications for pain and fever relief.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, visit our AFC Oak Ridge clinic for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
