Getting sick is a part of life. Determining whether an illness is caused by bacteria or a virus can help you get on a faster path to recovery. The tricky part is knowing the difference between viral and bacterial infection symptoms. Common examples of bacterial infections include Strep throat and urinary tract infections, while viral infections often include the common cold and influenza.
We all wish there was a magic pill to take when we get sick. The truth is, treatment depends heavily on what is causing the sickness in the first place. Treatment for symptoms of a bacterial infection is vastly different than how you would help someone recover from a viral infection.
To begin to understand what may be ailing you, it is important to start with the basics.
Virus vs Bacteria
Virus: What is a Viral Infection?
The Mayo Clinic explains that viruses are very small. They are “smaller than bacteria and require living hosts– such as people, plants, or animals– to multiply.” Viruses cannot live on their own and when they enter the body, they multiply and take over living cells.
As MedlinePlus puts it, “viruses are like hijackers. They invade living, normal cells and use those cells to multiply and produce other viruses like themselves.”
Viral infections are often identifiable by their symptoms. Duke Health mentions that these symptoms may include:
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- Runny nose
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- Congestion
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- Cough
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- Slight fever
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- Sore throat
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out that symptoms like these are typical of an upper respiratory infection. Upper respiratory Infections include COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold. Although, there are a variety of viruses that cause other issues such as HIV/AIDS.
Bacteria: What is a Bacterial Infection?
According to Verywell Health, bacteria can be described as “small organisms that can invade the body and cause infections.” Foreign bacteria causes your body to have an immune response.
The body’s reaction to these intruders result in symptoms such as:
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- Fever
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- Chills
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- Fatigue
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- Swelling
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- Redness
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- Pain
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- Organ dysfunction
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- Skin infections
Not all bacteria are created equal. While some bacteria may be harmful, our bodies have an abundance of good bacteria that help us with daily bodily functions. Good bacteria help with things like digestion and keeping your body balanced.
Unfamiliar bacteria, on the other hand, can affect anyone. Those with weak immune systems can have more severe infections. Symptom severity also depends highly on the type of bacteria causing the issue.
Illnesses such as Strep throat, ear infections, salmonella, bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections, and urinary tract infections are all examples of bacterial illnesses.
Identifying Viral and Bacterial Infections
Identifying whether you’re dealing with a viral or bacterial infection is essential for getting the right treatment and avoiding unnecessary complications. Both bacterial infections and viral infections can cause similar symptoms—like fever, cough, and sore throat—which can make it difficult to tell the difference without professional guidance. However, understanding the key differences between these types of infections can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Bacterial infections, such as Strep throat, ear infections, and urinary tract infections, are caused by single-celled organisms that can multiply on their own. These bacterial illnesses are often treated with antibiotics, which are designed to kill bacteria or stop them from growing. In contrast, viral infections—like the common cold or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—are caused by viruses that need a living host to survive. While some viral infections can be managed with antiviral medications, most viral illnesses simply need time and supportive care to resolve.
So, how can you tell the difference between a bacterial or viral infection? Bacterial infection symptoms often include a severe sore throat, ear pain, or symptoms related to the urinary tract, and they may persist or worsen over time. Viral illnesses, on the other hand, usually cause similar symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, and low grade fever, but these tend to improve within a week. If symptoms are severe, last longer than expected, or include warning signs like difficulty breathing, stiff neck, or a high fever, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. These could be signs of serious bacterial infections that require prompt treatment.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the world of infectious diseases. Overusing antibiotics when they’re not needed—such as for viral infections—can make bacteria stronger and harder to treat in the future. Practicing antibiotic stewardship means only using antibiotics when they’re truly necessary, and always following your healthcare provider’s instructions. Remember, antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral ones.
Prevention is key when it comes to viral and bacterial infections. Simple steps like frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and keeping up with recommended vaccines can help prevent infections from spreading. Vaccines are especially important during flu season.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are caused by viruses or bacteria, your healthcare provider can run tests—such as blood or urine samples—to help determine the cause and recommend the right treatment. By understanding the key differences between bacterial and viral infections, you can take steps to protect your health, prevent infections, and ensure you get the care you need when it matters most.
Viral Infection Treatment
The CDC assures its readers that most viral infections tend to be mild and resolve on their own. In the event that symptoms persist or worsen, antiviral drugs may be recommended by a healthcare professional. Antiviral medications and supportive care are the main ways to treat viruses, as antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
Antiviral medications are not antibiotics. For those who may have compromised immune systems, antiviral drugs help lessen the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness.
These medications are not over the counter and must be prescribed. Those who are in a “higher risk group,” or become severely ill, are applicable for this treatment. Otherwise, most people just have to wait out their sickness while treating their individual symptoms. Symptom relief is an important part of managing viral infections, and may include rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.
Ideally these antiviral medications need to be taken early on when symptoms first appear. The CDC stresses that “antiviral drugs work best for treatments when they are started within 2 days of getting sick.” If severe symptoms develop, such as difficulty breathing or a high fever, medical attention should be sought.
Bacterial Infection Treatment
Like viruses, many bacterial infections clear up on their own without medication. However, if bacterial infections are left too long the severity of the infection may drastically increase and require treatment. Some infections left too long may even lead to life-threatening outcomes.
Verywell Health mentions that antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor if your bacterial infection does not go away on its own. Antibiotic treatments kill bacteria or, in some cases, make it hard for the bacteria to multiply. A visit with your healthcare provider will determine which bacteria may be the cause of your symptoms, so the appropriate antibiotic is prescribed.
Can Viruses be Treated with Antibiotics?
Antibiotics don’t work against viruses, because bacteria and viruses are fundamentally different types of organisms. Viruses replicate by entering your body’s cells and using your cell’s machinery to make more viruses. Antibiotics can’t target this process without also damaging your own cells.
Some viral infections do progress into something bacterial if symptoms persist.
The CDC states that some infections can be caused by a virus or bacteria. These illnesses include, but are not limited to:
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- Bronchitis or chest cold
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- Middle ear infections
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- Sinus infections
It is important in these instances that you see your doctor to determine whether a virus or bacteria is to blame.
What Happens if You Take an Antibiotic and Don’t Need Them?
While antibiotics seem like the magic pill for all illnesses, they have limitations and risks. It is important to follow the guidelines presented by your healthcare provider when taking this medication.
The CDC warns against taking unnecessary antibiotics. They also recommend being evaluated by a healthcare professional. Often, people take antibiotics when they do not need them and this can eventually lead to what is called “antibiotic resistance.”
Antibiotic resistance occurs when “germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow.” The CDC continues to mention that in 2019 alone, 35,000 people died as a result of antibiotic resistance in the U.S.
If more people become resistant to antibiotics, it will become very difficult to control these illnesses in our communities.
We Have You Covered
Whether you may be suffering with a viral or bacterial infection, Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine has you covered. We have clinics across Colorado’s Denver metro area, including in Thornton and Aurora.
Reserve your spot online or walk-in 7 days a week.