A fever, persistent cough or gastrointestinal symptoms can leave you distressed and confused about what you’re suffering from. A run to the chemist shop and they may hand you some antibiotics. But is that the right way to approach your illness? Not really. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Bhavini Shah, Head of Microbiology, Neuberg Supratech Reference Laboratories, explains why you must first understand what you’re infected with, whether it is a viral or a bacterial infection or something completely different.
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Understanding The Difference Between Bacterial And Viral Infection
“Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, for instance, strep throat, whereas viral infections are caused by viruses, which include the common cold,” said Dr Shah, adding that differentiating between them is important to determine appropriate treatment and avoiding antibiotic misuse, which can lead to antibiotic resistance.” According to the doctor, the risk of antibiotic misuse includes the development of antibiotic resistance, where bacteria become resistant to the drugs used to treat them. This can lead to ineffective treatments, more severe infections, increased healthcare costs, and limited treatment options in the future. The doctor advises using antibiotics rationally to ensure a safer future for the next generation
Antibiotic resistance is on the rise and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), new resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases. The WHO further shares that a growing list of infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, blood poisoning, gonorrhoea, and foodborne diseases, are becoming harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat as antibiotics become less effective.
“Correct diagnostic tests can also guide the doctor to differentiate between bacterial and viral infection,” Dr Shah said.
Why Is It Important To Differentiate Between Viral And Bacterial Infection?
Bacteria and viruses are commonly present in the environment, including surfaces, air, water, and living organisms. They can be transmitted through direct contact, airborne particles, contaminated food or water, and insect bites. Both bacteria and viruses have the potential to cause infections and diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
But irrespective of how similar they are in how they spread, differentiating between bacterial and viral infections is important. This is to ensure appropriate treatment, said Dr Shah. “Antibiotics are effective against bacteria but not viruses, so misusing antibiotics for viral infections can lead to antibiotic resistance. Proper differentiation helps avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and promotes effective patient care,” she explained
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Treatment Of Bacterial Vs Viral infection
According to Dr Shah, bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics, which target and kill bacteria. Viral infections, on the other hand, do not respond to antibiotics. Treatment for viral infections often involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms while the body's immune system fights off the virus.
Vaccines also play a crucial role in preventing viral infections. They are designed to stimulate the immune system by introducing harmless fragments of the virus, such as proteins or genetic material. This triggers an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies and memory cells that provide long-term protection. Vaccines have been successful in controlling and eradicating diseases such as smallpox and polio, and they continue to be developed and administered for viral infections like influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, and more recently, COVID-19.