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This article was co-written by Janice Litza, MD. Dr. Litza is a licensed family physician practicing in Wisconsin. She is a practicing physician and taught as a clinical professor for 13 years after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.
There are 7 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 31,034 times.
Viral and bacterial infections have very similar symptoms. Testing is the only way to know for sure, but testing can be expensive and time consuming. Some small differences can help you determine if you have a viral or bacterial infection. The infection may last longer or the mucus may have a different color depending on the case of a viral or bacterial infection. You need to stay at home and take care of yourself when you are sick. Give your body time to rest and recover.
Steps
Watch for symptoms
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Monitor duration of illness. In general, viral infections usually last longer. Symptoms that last up to a week or more could be a sign of a viral infection. However, it’s important to be careful and talk to your doctor about antibiotics if symptoms persist. Viruses can progress to diseases such as sinusitis, which in turn leads to a bacterial infection. [1] X Research Source
- Always be cautious and talk to your doctor about taking antibiotics if symptoms persist for a fair amount of time.
- Viruses can cause sinusitis or otitis media, leading to a bacterial infection.
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Note the color of the mucus. When blowing your nose or coughing up phlegm, pay attention to the color of the mucus. This may sound a little gross, but the color can be an indication that you have a viral or bacterial infection. [2] X Research Source
- Thin, clear mucus is more likely to be a viral infection. Thick, green mucus is usually a bacterial infection.
- However, the color of the mucus does not give 100% accuracy whether you have a viral or bacterial infection. You need to consider other factors.
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Observe the throat. A sore throat is common in both viral and bacterial infections. However, some forms of sore throat can signal a bacterial infection. White spots are usually caused by bacteria. A sore throat but not accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing could be a bacterial infection, such as a sore throat. [3] X Research Sources
- For example, white spots are likely caused by bacteria. A sore throat without other symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing could be caused by a bacterial infection, such as streptococcus.
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Note fever. Fever can be a manifestation of both viral and bacterial infections. However, the phenomenon of fever is slightly different in different forms of infection. Bacterial infections often cause a higher fever than viral infections. In the case of a bacterial infection, the fever usually gets worse after a few days; In contrast, a fever caused by a viral infection tends to subside within a few days. [4] X Research Sources
- A normal person has a body temperature between 36.5°C and 37.2°C. [5] X Trusted Source University of Rochester Medical Center Go to Source
Assess risk factors
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Consider the possibility that you may have the flu. The flu is usually caused by a viral infection. If there’s a flu outbreak in your office or place of work, it’s important to remember that flu is contagious. It is very likely that your symptoms are caused by a flu infection if you have been in contact with someone who has the flu. [6] X Research Sources
- Remember that there are treatment options for the flu if you have been diagnosed and symptoms begin within two days of being examined. Contact your doctor and talk about flu season symptoms.
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Think about your age. Young children are often susceptible to certain viruses. Upper respiratory tract infections are especially common in young children. If your child exhibits symptoms such as a sore throat, sneezing, and coughing, he or she may have an upper respiratory tract infection. [7] X Research Sources
- If you suspect your child has an upper respiratory infection, you need to take him or her to the doctor.
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Recall recent sinus infections. Sometimes, the disease begins with a viral infection and turns into a bacterial infection. If you have recently had a viral infection, such as sinusitis, it is possible that it has progressed to a secondary bacterial infection. If in a short period of time you get sick twice, you are more likely to have a bacterial infection. [8] X Research Sources
- In some cases, viral infections can lead to bacterial infections. Anything that lasts longer than two weeks should be examined and diagnosed by a doctor.
Seek medical attention
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See your doctor right away if you have certain symptoms. Most viral and bacterial infections can be treated at home. However, you need to see a doctor immediately if you have some signs, especially when these symptoms appear in children. See your doctor if you notice the following symptoms: [9] X Research Source
- Urinating less than 3 times in 24 hours
- Shortness of breath
- Symptoms do not improve after 3-5 days
- Symptoms get worse, more severe.
- If you or a loved one has a weakened immune system, you should seek medical attention sooner to prevent complications.
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Use antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections but do not stop viruses. Your doctor may not prescribe antibiotics, even in cases of bacterial infections, but antibiotics may be needed in severe cases. [10] X Research Source
- The only way to know for sure if you have a viral or bacterial infection is to get tested. The doctor will take a sample of mucus or swab the patient’s throat, and then send it to a laboratory. You may be ordered to have a test for bacteria if your doctor thinks antibiotics can help. [11] X Research Source
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Try an over-the-counter pain reliever. If a bacterial or viral infection is causing you a lot of pain, ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter pain relievers. Be sure to follow the directions on the label and check with your pharmacist to see if these pain relievers will interact with medications you’re taking. [12] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- If antibiotics are prescribed by your doctor, ask your doctor about over-the-counter pain relievers that can be safely used with antibiotics.
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Flu shot. To prevent recurrence, you should get a flu shot. Vaccination will protect you from the virus that causes the flu. While this is a viral infection, viral infections can sometimes lead to bacterial infections. The flu shot can reduce your risk of developing viral and bacterial infections. [13] X Research Source
- A flu shot will not protect you against every virus or bacteria. You can still get the disease, but getting vaccinated reduces your risk.
- Many people can get the pneumococcal vaccine. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Notify the doctor at the emergency room if you or your child have not been vaccinated. You may encounter a rare virus such as whooping cough or measles and need to be isolated to keep yourself and others safe.
Advice
- The flu shot can help prevent viral infections.
- Basic self-care is important in treating viral and bacterial infections. Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. If possible, stay away from school or work while symptoms persist. [14] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
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This article was co-written by Janice Litza, MD. Dr. Litza is a licensed family physician practicing in Wisconsin. She is a practicing physician and taught as a clinical professor for 13 years after receiving her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health in 1998.
There are 7 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 31,034 times.
Viral and bacterial infections have very similar symptoms. Testing is the only way to know for sure, but testing can be expensive and time consuming. Some small differences can help you determine if you have a viral or bacterial infection. The infection may last longer or the mucus may have a different color depending on the case of a viral or bacterial infection. You need to stay at home and take care of yourself when you are sick. Give your body time to rest and recover.
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