Differences in viral and bacterial infections are often difficult to recognize because they can cause similar symptoms. Even so, viral and bacterial infections are basically very different.
In some types of diseases, it is difficult to determine the difference between viral and bacterial infections as the cause. For example diarrhea, meningitis and pneumonia which can be caused by both. The doctor can do a physical examination and medical history. If necessary, the doctor can also ask for additional tests such as a urine test, blood test or culture test to confirm a viral or bacterial infection.
What is a Virus Infection?
Viruses are microbes of very small size. They live and multiply by sticking to the host cell. When the virus enters the body, they will attack the cells in the host body, control the cells, and continue to multiply in the cell. Viruses can damage, kill, change cells in the body, for example in the liver, blood, or respiratory tract. Viruses can also trigger a disease. Some types of diseases caused by viruses include the flu, herpes, and chicken pox, or serious illnesses such as hepatitis B and C, HIV / AIDS and Ebola. To treat ailments caused by a virus, your doctor may give you antiviral medication. However, some diseases caused by viral infections can heal on their own, so treatment is only intended to relieve symptoms. Keep in mind, antibiotics can not kill the virus in the body.What is a bacterial infection?
Bacteria are microorganisms that can live in various types of environments, including in the human body. Bad bacteria that can cause disease in the human body are called pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic bacterial infections can cause a number of diseases such as tuberculosis, laryngitis, or urinary tract infections. However, not all bacteria are dangerous, because there are several types of bacteria that normally live in the human body and play a role in protecting the body from pathogenic bacteria. This bacterium is called normal flora. One important difference between viral and bacterial infections is the treatment. Treatment with antibiotics is given for bacterial infections, but not right for viral infections. Antibiotics can inhibit the process of development and metabolism of bacteria in the human body. Even so, the use of antibiotics is not always effective to kill bacteria, because bacteria have the ability to adapt very quickly. Inappropriate use of antibiotics will actually make bacteria become resistant or resistant to these antibiotics. If this happens, antibiotics will no longer be effective in killing bacteria. Therefore, the use of antibiotics should be in accordance with doctor's recommendations.Spread of Viruses and Bacteria
Bacteria and viruses are both microbes that can cause disease. It's just that the size of the virus is smaller than bacteria. Microbes can enter the body in a number of ways, including when you:- Breathe in contaminated air, usually transmitted by someone infected when coughing and sneezing.
- Consuming food or water that has been contaminated with viruses and bacteria.
- Contact with bodily fluids from sick people, including blood, urine, vomit, and feces.
- In contact with objects that are not sterile, such as doorknobs, toys, or unclean toilets.
How to Prevent Viral and Bacterial Infection
Because viral and bacterial infections are often transmitted in the same way, the following healthy lifestyle can be used to prevent both viral and bacterial infections:Washing hands
Routinely washing hands with soap after outdoor activities, using the toilet, or before eating is very effective to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that cause infections.
Maintain food cleanliness
One important strategy to break the chain of spread of viral and bacterial infections is to maintain environmental hygiene and hygiene when processing food. Before cooking, make sure the cooking area is clean, and you have washed your hands and cooking utensils before processing food.
Vaccinating
The benefits of vaccination are very important to protect the body from infection or certain diseases. This vaccination varies, depending on the patient's condition. The vaccine can be given to children as well as adults. Before traveling to certain areas, you should also get a vaccination.
Avoid risky behavior
The spread of bacteria and viruses can be prevented by avoiding risky behaviors, such as free sex. Use condoms during sex, and do not change sexual partners. Also avoid sharing needles with other people.
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