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Viral vs. Bacterial Infections
Question:
Could you explain the difference between viral and bacterial infections?
Answer:
Most upper respiratory infections and bronchitis are
viral infections. Bacteria usually cause pharyngitis and sinusitis, and
pneumonia is usually bacterial but sometimes viral.
Sometimes we try to say that if the secretions are purulent (thick green) that
is bacterial. But this is not true. Some with all of this are viral and some
relatively nonproductive infections are bacterial.
Most viral infections will resolve in one to two weeks. Many bacterial
infections will also resolve on their own. Strep, as in strep throat, should be
treated with antibiotics in order to reduce the risk of rheumatic heart
disease/fever or kidney disease.
Otherwise we treat bacterial infections that don't seem to be clearing up on
their own or are associated with too many symptoms.
For more information, visit the Cold & Flu Survivors' Guide.
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