Nowadays, many people are suffering from Bacterial and Viral Infections. But a proper treatment plan for patients, it is important to understand whether an infection is viral or bacterial. Both Viral and Bacterial infections make you sick. Bacterial Infection is caused by bacteria and Viral infection can be caused by viruses.In this Article, We take a look at bacterial Vs viral Infection. Let’s explore how these infections are transmitted and what we can do to prevent them.
What are Bacterial Infections?
Bacterial infections are caused by single-cell organisms called Bacteria. Different kinds of bacteria can cause a disease called pathogenic disease. It can be transmitted through air, water, food, or direct and indirect contact in humans. It can also be transmitted from mother to baby, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and also through insect bites.
Common types of bacteria are :
- Bacillus Cereus
- Salmonella
- Botulism
- Campylobacter
- Clostridium
- Staphylococcus aureus
What are Viral Infections?
Viral Infections are caused by viruses and it is also caused by microbes that invade host cells, replicate, and spread—virus diseases such as the common cold, chicken pox, and Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Viruses also cause many infectious diseases such as AIDS and SARS.
Common types of Viruses are:
- Influenza Virus
- Measles
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Varicella-zoster viruses (VZU)
- Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Bacterial Vs Viral Infection: Differences
Bacteria consist of a single molecule of DNA, which carries all the information needed for reproduction.It contains genetic elements such as plasmids which aid in the process of reproduction, infection or survival. Harmful bacteria can cause infection, it also produces harmful substances such as toxins or invading tissues. Pathogenic bacteria refers to microorganisms which can make humans sick.
On the other hand viruses are tiny, lack cellular structure, consist of genetic material, either RNA or DNA. It relies on a living host. It also initiates infection by replicating the cells of the body. Viral infection can be treated by antiviral medications. It can not be treated with antibiotics.
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How are they transmitted?
Bacterial and viral infections can be transmitted from person to person, they occur in many ways such as
- Bacterial and Viral transmission during pregnancy, breastfeeding in women.
- When contacting a person who has a bacterial and Viral infection.
- Contact with surfaces contaminated with bacteria such as doorknobs and after that, touching your face, nose, or mouth.
- Contact with the body fluids of a cough or sneeze person.
- It can also be transmitted with an insect bite.
Symptoms of Bacterial vs Viral Infection
Both Symptoms of Bacterial and Viral infection are similar, such as
- Fever
- Coughing
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Body aches
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Sinus congestion
Treatments of Bacterial and Viral Infection
Let’s know how to treat bacterial and Viral infections.
Bacterial Infection Treatment
While treating bacterial infection, Antibiotics play an important role in treating bacterial infection. It is prescribed when other techniques are not working.Bacterial infection can resolve with home techniques but some require antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria or stop them from multiplying by affecting crucial parts of their structure needed to survive. Bacterial infection can be caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
In some cases, it leads to severe or life threatening complications, which results in hospitalization and intensive care management. It includes pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. In some cases, IV antibiotics, IV fluids, and intensive care treatment are required.
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Viral Infection Treatment
On the contrary, Viral infection can be treated at home by using some home remedies or supportive care such as, To prevent dehydration of your body require plenty of water. Resting, Take over the pain medication such as paracetamol to relieve pain, fever or aches also take over the counter cold if advised by healthcare professionals.
Antiviral medications can be prescribed which helps in inhibiting virus attachment to healthy host cells and disrupting viral replication machinery.
Both Bacterial and Viral infection, differ in structure, infection types, life cycle and treatment methods.
How to prevent Bacterial and Viral Infections?
Here are some tips to Prevent bacterial and Viral infections. By following these tips you can easily prevent bacterial and viral infection.
Get Vaccinated
There are many vaccines available to prevent viral and bacterial infection. Vaccine preventable disease such as
- Influenza
- Tetanus
- Whooping Cough
- Measles
- COVID-19
- Meningococcal Disease
- Flu
- Pneumococcal Disease
- Polio
- Hepatitis B
- Mumps
- Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B)
Consult your doctor and get vaccines that are available for you.
Practice good hygiene
- Wash your hands after and before eating or using the washroom.
- Don’t touch your face, mouth or nose, if your hands are not clean.
- Don’t share your personal items such as toothbrushes, Towels, hair brushes, straws, Drinking glasses, Eating utensils.
- Wash raw fruit or vegetables before eating.
- Refrigerate leftover food items promptly.
- If you have pets at your home, properly wash and bath them.
Avoid Outing if you’re sick
- Avoid outing, because this infection is transmitted to other people.
- Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
- While coughing or sneezing, cover into the crook of the elbow or into a tissue, and dispose of the used tissue.
- Use insect repellent before going outside and wear full sleeves and full pants.
Conclusion
Bacterial and Viral Infection cause many common infections. Antibiotics treat bacterial infection and antiviral medications treat viral infection. Both viral and medical infection can be prevented by vaccination. By practicing good personal hygiene habits or getting vaccinated, you can easily prevent bacterial and viral infection. By using condoms or other methods can also help to prevent getting sexually transmitted infection. Common symptoms of bacterial and viral infection such as Cough, fever, cramping, sneezing, vomiting, Body aches, Diarrhea.