More about Viruses (Covid/HIV)

What’s the Difference Between Bacterial and Viral Infections? Bacteria and viruses can cause many common infections. But what are the differences between these two kinds of infectious organisms? Bacteria are tiny microorganisms that are made up of a single cell. They’re very diverse and can have a large variety of shapes and structural features. Bacteria can live in almost every conceivable environment, including in or on the human body. Only a handful of bacteria cause infections in humans. These bacteria are referred to as pathogenic bacteria. Viruses are another type of tiny microorganism, although they’re even smaller than bacteria. Like bacteria, they’re very diverse and have a variety of shapes and features. Viruses are parasitic. That means they require living cells or tissue in which to grow. Viruses can invade the cells of your body, using the components of your cells to grow and multiply. Some viruses even kill host cells as part of their life cycle.

Viral Infections

How are viral infections transmitted? Like bacterial infections, many viral infections are also contagious. They can be transmitted from person to person in many of the same ways, including: Coming into close, Contact with a person who has a viral infection, Contact with the body fluids of a person with a viral infection, Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or birth, Coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. Also, similarly to bacterial infections, viral infections can be transmitted by the bite of an infected insect or through consuming food or water that has been contaminated. Common viral infections include: Influenza, Common cold, Viral gastroenteritis, Chickenpox, Measles, Viral meningitis, Warts, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Viral hepatitis, Zika virus, West Nile virus. COVID-19 is another illness caused by a virus. This virus commonly causes: Shortness of breath, Fever, Dry cough. Call emergency medical services if you experience the following symptoms: Trouble breathing, Bluish lips, Severe fatigue, Consistent pain or tightness in the chest. Is my cold bacterial or viral? A cold can cause a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and low fever, but is a cold bacterial or viral? The common cold is caused by a number of different viruses, although rhinoviruses are most often the culprit. There’s not much you can do to treat a cold except wait it out and use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help relieve your symptoms. You should avoid using mucus color to determine whether you have a viral or bacterial infection.

Bacterial Infections

How are bacterial infections transmitted? Many bacterial infections are contagious, meaning that they can be transmitted from person to person. There are many ways this can occur, including: Close contact with a person who has a bacterial infection, including touching and kissing, Contact with the body fluids of a person who has an infection, particularly after sexual contact or when the person coughs or sneezes, Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or birth, Coming into contact with surfaces contaminated with the bacteria, such as doorknobs or faucet handles and then touching your face, nose, or mouth. In addition to being transmitted from person to person, bacterial infections can also be transmitted through the bite of an infected insect. Additionally, consuming contaminated food or water can also lead to an infection. Common bacterial infections include: Strep throat, Urinary tract infection (UTI), Bacterial food poisoning, Gonorrhea, Tuberculosis, Bacterial meningitis, Cellulitis, Lyme disease, Tetanus