How to tell difference between viral and bacterial infection

This is an automatically translated article.

Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria and viral infections are caused by viruses. Perhaps the difference between bacterial and viral infections is that antibiotics usually kill bacteria, but they are not effective against viruses.

1.Difference between bacteria and virus

Although bacteria and viruses are both too small to be seen without a microscope, they are as different as giraffes and goldfish.
Bacteria are relatively complex, single-celled organisms, many with hard walls and thin membranes, with a rubbery membrane that surrounds the fluid inside the cell. They are capable of self-reproduction. Fossil records show bacteria have been around for about 3.5 billion years, and bacteria can survive in different environments, including extreme heat and cold, radioactive waste, and the human body .
Most bacteria are harmless and some are actually helpful by digesting food, killing pathogenic bacteria, fighting cancer cells and providing essential nutrients. Less than 1% of bacteria cause disease in humans.

Vi khuẩn là các sinh vật đơn bào

Viruses are smaller than bacteria: the largest viruses are also smaller than the smallest bacteria. Viruses consist of a protein coat and core of genetic material, which is RNA or DNA. Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot survive without a host. They can only reproduce by attaching themselves to cells. In most cases, they reprogram cells to make new viruses until the cells break down and die. In other cases, they turn normal cells into malignant or cancerous cells.
Unlike bacteria, most viruses cause disease and they are quite specific about the cells they attack. For example, some viruses attack cells in the liver, respiratory system, or blood. In other cases, viruses target bacteria.

2. Bacterial infections and viral infections

Bacterial infections and viral infections have many similarities. Both types of infections are caused by microorganisms - bacteria and viruses, in addition they are spread by the following routes:
Coughing and sneezing; Contact with an infected person, especially through kissing and sexual contact; Contact with contaminated surfaces, food and water; Exposure to infected organisms, including pets, livestock, and insects such as fleas and ticks.

Nhiễm vi khuẩn và nhiễm virus đều có thể lây khi tiếp xúc với người nhiễm bệnh

Bacterial infections can also cause:
Acute infections are short-lived; Chronic infection, which can last for weeks, months or a lifetime; Latent infection, which may not cause symptoms at first but may reactivate in a few months or years. Most importantly, bacterial and viral infections can both cause mild, moderate, and severe illnesses.
Throughout history, millions of people have died from bacterial and viral diseases such as the plague or the Black Death caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and smallpox caused by the variola virus. In recent times, viral infections have caused two major pandemics: the 1918-1919 Spanish flu pandemic that killed 20-40 million people, and the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic that killed an estimated 1.5 million people. People worldwide in 2013.
Bacterial and viral infections can cause similar symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever, inflammation, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and cramps - all of which is the immune system's way of trying to get rid of infectious organisms. But bacterial and viral infections are not alike in many other important respects, most of which is due to differences in the structures of the organisms and how they respond to drugs.

3.Diagnosis of bacterial and viral infections

Xét nghiệm vi sinh có thể xác định nhiễm vi khuẩn hay virus

You should consult your doctor if you think you have a bacterial or viral infection. There are some exceptions like the common cold, which is not usually life-threatening.
In some cases, it can be difficult to determine whether an illness is caused by a viral infection or a bacterial infection because many illnesses - including pneumonia, meningitis, and diarrhea - can be caused by either. But your doctor can determine the cause by examining your medical history and doing some physical exams.
If necessary, the doctor may also order a blood or urine test to help confirm the diagnosis or use a "microbiological test" to determine if a bacterial or viral infection is present. Occasionally, a biopsy of the affected tissue may be required.

4.Treatment of bacterial and viral infections

The discovery of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections is considered one of the most important breakthroughs in medical history. Unfortunately, bacteria are very adaptable, and the overuse of antibiotics has made many of them resistant to antibiotics. This has created serious problems, especially in hospitals.
Antibiotics are not effective against viruses and many leading organizations now advise against using antibiotics unless there is clear evidence of bacterial infection.

Thuốc kháng sinh điều trị nhiễm trùng do nhiễm vi khuẩn

Since the beginning of the 20th century, vaccines have been developed. Vaccines have significantly reduced the number of cases of new viral diseases such as polio , measles and chickenpox . In addition, vaccines can prevent infections such as: influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), and others.
But treating viral infections is more difficult, mainly because viruses are relatively small and reproduce inside cells. For some viral illnesses, such as herpes simplex virus infections, HIV/AIDS, and influenza, antiviral medications are available. But the use of antiviral drugs has been linked to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
To prevent diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, you should be fully vaccinated, this will minimize the risk of you getting infected. Vinmec International General Hospital has been deploying immunization services with a variety of vaccines for different audiences, from infants, young children, adults, and women before and during pregnancy. . The advantages of vaccination at Vinmec include:
Patients will be examined by specialist doctors, fully screened for physical and health problems, and advised on preventive vaccines and regimens. injecting equipment, monitoring and post-vaccination care before giving an indication to vaccinate according to the latest recommendations of the Ministry of Health & World Health Organization to ensure the best effectiveness and safety for children. . A team of experienced and professional pediatric doctors and nurses, understand children's psychology and apply effective pain relief methods for children during the vaccination process. 100% of vaccinated patients were monitored 30 minutes after injection and reassessed before leaving. Undertake medical supervision before, during and after vaccination at Vinmec Health System and always have an emergency team ready to coordinate with the vaccination department to handle cases of anaphylaxis, respiratory failure - circulatory arrest, ensuring Ensure timely and correct handling when incidents occur. Vaccines are imported and stored in a modern cold storage system, with a cold chain that meets GSP standards, keeping vaccines in the best conditions to ensure quality.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and receive 15% off for consultation fee at the first appointment (applied from 17th October to 31th December, 2022). MyVinmec app is also available and convenient for your bookings management and Telehealth service with Vinmec doctors all in one.

References: healthline.com, mayoclinic.org, webmd.com

Sự khác nhau giữa vi khuẩn và virus

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