What is the main difference between bacterial and viral infection?
Answer From Pritish K. Tosh, M.D. As you might think, bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, and viral infections are caused by viruses. Perhaps the most important distinction between bacteria and viruses is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, but they aren’t effective against viruses.
How do I know whether my infection is from bacteria or a virus?
In some cases, it’s difficult to determine whether an illness is viral or bacterial because many ailments — including pneumonia, meningitis, and diarrhea — can be caused by either. But your doctor may be able to determine the cause by listening to your medical history and doing a physical exam.
Is pneumonia viral or bacterial?
Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. There are more than 30 different causes of pneumonia, and they’re grouped by the cause. The main types of pneumonia are bacterial, viral, and mycoplasma pneumonia.
Do antibiotics treat viral infections?
Viruses are germs different from bacteria. They cause infections, such as colds and flu. However, antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses. For more information on common illnesses and when antibiotics are and aren’t needed, visit Common Illnesses.
Is pneumonia a virus or bacteria?
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in your lungs. The main causes of pneumonia are bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. This article is about viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is a complication of the viruses that cause colds and the flu.
Is yogurt a virus or bacteria?
Yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk using one or more bacteria. Some of the more common bacteria used include L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L.
Is bronchitis viral or bacterial?
What causes bronchitis? Usually, acute bronchitis is brought on by a viral infection, though it may also be caused by a bacterial infection. The flu and colds are examples of viral infections. Chronic bronchitis is usually, but not always, caused by smoking tobacco.
What is best medicine for viral infection?
Antiviral medications help the body fight off harmful viruses. The drugs can ease symptoms and shorten the length of a viral infection. Antivirals also lower the risk of getting or spreading viruses that cause herpes and HIV.