What Is the Difference Between a Bacterial Infection and a Virus?

March 16, 2019

What Is the Difference Between a Bacterial Infection and a Virus?- AFC Urgent Care

Spring is in the air, which means goodbye to sickness, right? Wrong! Unfortunately, while warmer days are ahead for Cleveland, there is still a chance that you could catch a nasty bug. Therefore, our team at AFC Urgent Care Cleveland wants you to know that we are here seven days a week to help you in diagnosing and treating your illness so that you can get back to your normal, daily routine!

Do I Have a Bacterial Infection or a Virus?

Because a viral infection and a bacterial infection can display very similar symptoms, it is best to seek the treatment of a physician who can help in ensuring you are treating the right condition properly.

Bacterial Infection Examples

  • Salmonella
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli)
  • Tuberculosis
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
  • Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
  • Bacterial pneumonia
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Vibrio vulnificus
  • Heliobacter pylori (H. pylori)
  • Bacterial meningitis

What If I Am Diagnosed With a Virus?

Unfortunately, when it comes to a virus, it really is best to just let the virus run its course. Of course, there are things you can do at home in order to help alleviate the symptoms, such as drinking plenty of water, gargling warm salt water if suffering from a sore throat, getting plenty of rest, and using a humidifier if experiencing congestion.

Virus Examples

  • Common cold
  • Flu
  • Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
  • Measles
  • Mumps

Not sure whether your symptoms are pointing to a bacterial infection or a virus? Visit the AFC Urgent Care Cleveland team today for a proper medical evaluation.

Be the first to read...

More Blog Posts

About Our Services:

Call (423) 458-1426 for more information about our Cleveland urgent care services.