Many people are uncertain of the differences between bacterial and viral infections. It can be difficult to make the distinction, but it’s critical to know which microorganisms caused the illness because antibiotics fight bacteria but do not work against viruses. Therefore, if you treat a virus with an antibiotic, this causes treatment resistance and can damage your immune system, which can make it difficult for you to fight off infections, and it can also make antibiotics no longer effective when you need them.
Bacterial and Viral Infections
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that live on solid surfaces and can be passed from objects, fluids or in the air. Viruses are microscopic organisms that live and breed on a host such as people and animals. Despite the type of infection, the body tries to get rid of it by coughing, sneezing, fever, inflammatory response, and diarrhea to name a few.
As far as bacterial infections like urinary tract infections, strep throat, and sepsis are concerned, they can usually be effectively treated with antibiotics. With viral infections like chicken pox, tonsillitis, and influenza, usually rest is the key, but sometimes an antiviral medication will help to shorten the duration of the illness.
Influenza
Although many people refer to the “flu” as other ailments like a stomach virus or sinus infection, influenza is a highly contagious upper respiratory illness. Getting vaccinated against the virus is imperative and getting the vaccination early will help to stave off your chances of becoming infected before you get the immunization. We’re not sure how bad the flu virus may become this season, and for that reason, it’s essential to protect you and your loved ones.
Last season, we saw an epidemic of widespread flu activity. In particular, Influenza A (H3N2) was rampant. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), the H3 influenza virus leads to a much more severe case of the flu. In addition, people infected with H3N2 are more likely to develop bronchial disorders like pneumonia and chronic productive lung illnesses.
Although anyone can get the flu, H1N1 is most unsafe for the elderly, babies and young children, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems.
Consequently, the H1N1 flu virus can subsequently circulate and raise the total number of cases of people infected with the flu. Because the flu virus was so pervasive, physicians were instructed by the CDC to administer antivirals (like Tamiflu) immediately to patients with any indications of influenza, even if a positive flu diagnosis had not yet been determined.
Prevention is key
The best prevention is still, of course, to get vaccinated, because even if you get the flu virus, the vaccine will most likely shorten the duration of the symptoms. 30% of H3 strains of influenza are directly affected by the vaccine to protect you against getting the illness and spreading it to others.
Hygiene still plays a huge role in protecting you against influenza’s harrowing virus and side effects. Washing yours and your children’s hands frequently, avoiding areas with large crowds, sneezing into your arm, wiping down hard surfaces with disinfectants and antivirals, and getting proper nutrition and sleep are also essential to stop the spread of the viral and bacterial infections.
Quick Care Med Walk-In Clinic & Urgent Care is a comprehensive urgent care clinic with multiple specialties to serve you. Quick Care Med Walk-in and Urgent Care has locations in Marion (Dunnellon and Ocala), Citrus (Crystal River, Inverness, Beverly Hills, and Homosassa), Levy (Williston), & Alachua (Newberry) counties that provides immediate walk-in treatment to pediatric and adult patients for illnesses and injuries, wellness exams, and employer health services.
At Quick Care Med Walk-in and Urgent Care, they understand that illness and injuries can happen outside of the normal 9 to 5. That’s why they provide Fast, Easy, and Affordable® urgent care with the convenience of extended hours, including weekends and holidays!
From the common cold to a broken bone, Quick Care Med Walk-in and Urgent Care revolves around getting you back to feeling good!
Quick Care Med Walk-In Clinic
& Urgent Care
Toll Free : 844-797-8425
3415 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL
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