Infections due to viruses and bacteria have similar symptoms. The only way to be sure is with a laboratory test, but it can be expensive and time-consuming. However, there are some minor differences that can help you identify a viral infection and a bacterial infection. Different infections last longer, the color of the phlegm you expel is different depending on the cause (bacteria or viruses). Make sure to stay home and take care of yourself while you are sick. Give your body time to rest and recover.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Observing the Symptoms You're Experiencing
Step 1. Record the length of time you were sick
In general, viral infections tend to last longer. Symptoms that persist for a week or more may be a viral infection. However, you should remain vigilant and discuss the possibility of using antibiotics with your doctor. The virus can turn into a sinus infection, which may also involve the development of a bacterial infection.
Step 2. Pay attention to the color of your mucus/phlegm
When you blow your nose or spit out phlegm, pay attention to the color. Although mucus/phlegm may look a little dirty, the color can be an indicator of whether you have a viral or bacterial infection.
- Snot/phlegm watery and clear most likely caused by a viral infection. Meanwhile, mucus/phlegm that is green and dark in color is more likely to be caused by a bacterial infection.
- However, the color of mucus/phlegm is not a 100% accurate determinant of whether you have a viral or bacterial infection. Make sure you also consider other factors.
Step 3. Deep throat
Sore throats are generally caused by viral and bacterial infections. However, certain types of sore throat may signal a bacterial infection. White spots are usually caused by bacteria. A sore throat without other symptoms, such as a runny nose or sneezing, may be a bacterial infection, such as a sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria.
Step 4. Evaluate fever
Fever can accompany viral or bacterial infections. However, these symptoms can vary slightly in different types of infection. In bacterial infections, the fever tends to get worse after a few days. Meanwhile, fever due to viral infection tends to improve within a few days.
The normal temperature of the human body is between 36.5°C and 37.2°C
Method 2 of 3: Evaluating Risk Factors
Step 1. Consider your chances of catching the flu
The flu is caused by a viral infection. If people in your office or workplace catch the flu, remember that this disease is highly contagious. If you've interacted with people who have recently had the flu, there's a good chance that your symptoms may also be due to the illness.
Step 2. Consider the age factor
Toddlers tend to be more susceptible to certain viral infections. Upper respiratory tract infections, which include the nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx, are more common in children. If your child shows some symptoms such as sore throat, sneezing, and coughing, they may have an upper respiratory infection.
If you believe your child has an upper respiratory infection, take him to the doctor
Step 3. Recall your recent sinus infection
Sometimes, bacterial growth is preceded by a viral infection that progresses to a bacterial infection. If you have recently had a viral infection, such as a sinus infection, you may have developed a secondary bacterial infection. If you experience two types of illness at the same time, you most likely have a bacterial infection.
In some cases, other viral infections can trigger a bacterial infection. Any illness that doesn't go away for more than two weeks should be seen by a doctor
Method 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Treatment
Step 1. Visit a doctor immediately if you experience certain symptoms
Most bacterial and viral infections can be treated at home with self-care. However, under certain conditions you should immediately visit a doctor. This action is especially important if these symptoms are experienced by children. Check with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Urinating less than three times in 24 hours.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Your symptoms do not improve after 3-5 days.
Step 2. Take antibiotics for bacterial infections
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, but have no effect on viral infections. Your doctor may not always prescribe antibiotics, even for bacterial infections, but antibiotics may be needed if your infection is serious.
The only way to know for sure if you have a bacterial infection or a viral infection is to have a lab test done. The doctor will take a sample of mucus/phlegm or wipe your throat to scrape the back of your throat near the tonsils. In this procedure, the doctor will usually take a sample with a sterile cotton swab, then send it to the laboratory. Your doctor may need to do laboratory tests for a bacterial infection if you think antibiotics are right for you
Step 3. Try over-the-counter pain relievers
If a viral or bacterial infection is causing you pain, ask your pharmacist for over-the-counter pain relievers that may reduce these symptoms. Make sure you take your medicine according to the directions on the package and ask your pharmacist if it might interfere with any medication you are taking.
If you are prescribed antibiotics, ask your doctor about over-the-counter pain relievers that are safe to use with them
Step 4. Get the flu shot
To prevent flu attacks from recurring, get vaccinated. The vaccination will protect you from the virus that causes the flu. Although caused by a viral infection, the flu can sometimes trigger a bacterial infection. Meanwhile, a flu shot can reduce your body's risk of developing a viral or bacterial infection.
The flu shot will not protect you from all types of viruses or bacteria. Although these injections reduce your risk, you may still get the disease
Tips
- Getting the flu vaccine can help prevent you from getting a viral infection.
- Basic self-care is important to treat viral and bacterial infections. Drink lots of water, also get more rest. If possible, do not work or go to school until your symptoms have not improved.
