How to identify a virus or bacterium. Signs of viral diseases in humans: how to recognize an "uninvited" guest?

Knowing the difference between viral and bacterial infections is important because these infections are treated differently. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Viral infections, on the other hand, cannot be treated with antibiotics because they do not work on them. If antibiotics are used in the absence of appropriate indications, the formation of resistant bacteria is possible. In addition, antibiotics often cause side effects, including the development of a violation of the quantitative and qualitative composition of the microflora.

How are bacteria different from viruses

Bacteria are microorganisms, as a rule, unicellular, having an unformed nucleus, as well as a structure that is simpler when compared with plant and animal cells. Bacterial cells can be round, rod-shaped. Less common are other forms of bacteria. Many bacteria that are normally safe for a person and live on his skin, in the intestines, mucous membranes with a general weakening of the body or impaired immunity, can be pathogenic.

Some types of viruses are able to stay in the human body throughout life. In this case, they are in a latent state and are activated only under certain conditions. Among such viruses, papillomaviruses, herpesviruses and HIV can be distinguished. The virus, which is in a latent state, is not able to destroy either the immune system or drugs.

Symptoms of a viral infection

Viral infections are characterized by a bright sudden onset, 1-2 days before the clinical period. The symptoms of a viral infection include 1-2 days of prodrome with signs of intoxication in the absence of a clearly defined lesion. The disease is accompanied by high fever, headache, fever, chills, weakness, cough and sore throat.

Symptoms of a bacterial infection

The development of a bacterial infection occurs very sluggishly and for a long time. It is very difficult to isolate the moment at which the infection occurred. The symptoms of a bacterial infection include the appearance of a not very high temperature, there is a clearly defined lesion. Bacterial infections cause purulent (usually yellow or yellow-greenish) discharge. If the bacterial flora was not attached to the viral infection, then the discharge has a watery (serous) or mucous character.

Penetration of a bacterial infection can occur primarily or be attached to a viral infection, since viruses suppress immunity. For example, the onset of primary influenza pneumonia occurs on the 1st-2nd day of influenza, with the appearance of a dry cough at first, and from the 3rd day - the release of bloody sputum in large quantities. Accession to influenza secondary post-influenza (bacterial) pneumonia occurs after 6 or more days, purulent sputum is released.

In case of flu heat lasts 5 or more days. If it does not decrease, then this is due to the onset of a complication (pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis media, myocarditis) or the fact that the disease was not originally influenza.

The discharge of pus always indicates that a bacterial or mixed (bacterial-viral) infection is present in the body, but, however, the converse statement is erroneous. In addition to viral infections, there are a number of bacterial infections that are not characterized by the formation of pus. For example, such infections include atypical pneumonia.

Sepsis refers to blood poisoning. Sepsis may be acute, subacute, or chronic forms. Symptoms and signs of sepsis. Complication of sepsis.

Considered which antibiotics are used in the treatment of respiratory tract infections. The varieties of microbes that cause disease are described. The expediency of using antibiotics in various diseases is presented.

Is it dangerous to find E. coli in urine? This microorganism can cause various diseases urinary system.

Understand how to distinguish viral infection from bacterial "for a cold", or rather, according to the general condition of a child or an adult at the time, it is quite possible. This does not require special knowledge. One has only to listen to the advice of pediatricians and carefully observe the patient's condition. Which, in turn, will serve as a good help in the correct diagnosis and choice of treatment tactics.

Renowned pediatrician Yevgeny Komarovsky argues that it is very important for parents to understand the basic differences between viruses and bacteria. To do this, you need to understand how viruses work.

Their fundamental feature is that they are unable to reproduce without other cells. Viruses invade the cell and force it to make copies of them. Thus, in each infected cell there are several thousand of them. In this case, the cell most often dies or becomes unable to perform its functions, which causes certain symptoms of the disease in a person.

Viruses are selective in their choice of cells

By the way, another feature of viruses can tell you how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one. Komarovsky in his works claims that these microorganisms are very selective in choosing a cell suitable for reproduction. And they capture only the one that they can then force to work for themselves. For example, the hepatitis virus can only multiply in the cells of the liver, and prefers the cells of the mucous membranes of the bronchi or trachea.

In addition, it can cause certain diseases only in specific species. For example, precisely because the variola virus could only exist in the human body, it completely disappeared from nature after the introduction of mandatory vaccinations, which were carried out throughout the world for 22 years.

What determines the severity of a viral infection

How to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one can also be understood by the peculiarities of the course of a viral infection. They depend on which cells and in what quantity were affected by it. It is clear that the penetration of viruses into brain cells, for example, with encephalitis, is a much more dangerous condition than their damage to the nasal mucosa during influenza.

The course of the disease is also affected by the fact that human cells change in a certain way during life. So, due to the fact that in babies the main liver cells (hepatocytes) have not yet been formed, it is difficult for viruses to develop in them, and therefore babies up to a year practically do not get hepatitis A. In older children, this disease is quite easy, but in adults, hepatitis - serious disease. The same applies to viruses that cause rubella, measles and chickenpox.

By the way, in some cases, the virus, having penetrated into the cell, does not develop in it, but subsides, being there in a “sleeping” state, ready, at the opportunity, to put us in front of the question of how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one in adults and children.

SARS: signs of these diseases

In our reasoning, we should not miss the fact that ARVI includes not one disease, but a whole group of ailments, which are based on infection with a large number of various viruses.

In order to distinguish one virus from another, tests are required. But they are carried out if necessary by doctors, and for parents it will be enough to remember how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one.

The most characteristic sign of SARS is a stormy onset. If the upper Airways, then you can see:

• a strong rise in temperature, up to 40 ° C (it all depends on the pathogen);
• acute rhinitis - transparent mucus is abundantly secreted from the nose, which is often accompanied by lacrimation;
• soreness and pain appear in the throat, the voice becomes hoarse, a dry cough occurs;
• the patient feels symptoms of general intoxication: muscle aches, weakness, chills, headache and lack of appetite.

How Evgeny Komarovsky describes bacterial infections

Explaining how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one in a child, Komarovsky also talks separately about the characteristics of bacteria.

Bacteria are microorganisms that, unlike viruses, can develop on their own. For them, the main thing is to find a suitable place for food and reproduction, and this causes diseases in the human body.

Many methods have been developed to fight bacteria. medicines(antibiotics). But these microorganisms have another unique feature - they mutate, adapting to new conditions and making it difficult to get rid of them.

Bacteria most often do not require a specific habitat, like viruses. Staphylococcus, for example, can exist anywhere, causing inflammatory processes and in the lungs, and on the skin, and in the bones, and in the intestines.

Why are bacteria dangerous to the human body?

And, of course, the main thing in the question of how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one is to determine the harm that certain microorganisms can cause.

If we talk about bacteria, then it itself, as a rule, does not cause much damage to our body. greatest danger conceal the products of its vital activity - toxins, which are nothing more than poisons. It is their specific effect on our body that explains the symptoms of each specific disease.

The human body reacts to both the bacterium and its toxins in the same way as it does to viruses, producing antibodies.

By the way, in most bacteria, toxins are produced in the process of their death. And they are called endotoxins. And in a small number of bacteria, toxins are released in the process of life (exotoxins). They are considered the most dangerous poisons of all known. Under their influence, diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, gas gangrene, botulism and

What do the symptoms of a respiratory disease caused by bacteria look like?

By knowing how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one, you won't miss the beginning new wave diseases.

A bacterial infection quite often joins an existing viral infection, since the latter has time to greatly weaken the patient's immunity. That is, otitis media, sinusitis, tonsillitis or other diseases join the already existing symptoms of SARS.

The onset of bacterial infection is usually not pronounced (the temperature rises slightly and gradually, the general condition changes imperceptibly), but the course may be more severe. And if a viral infection is expressed by a general malaise, then a bacterial one, as a rule, has a clear dislocation. That is, you can always understand what exactly struck the bacteria - the nose (sinusitis), ear (acute, otitis media or purulent) or throat (bacterial tonsillitis).

• A thick purulent discharge appears from the nose. The cough is often wet, and the sputum is difficult to come off.
• Plaque forms on the tonsils. There are signs of bronchitis.

Unfortunately, bacteria, as you have already seen, can cause more serious problems - bronchitis, pneumonia, or even meningitis. Therefore, the fight against them with the help of antibiotics is essential in order to prevent the severe development of the disease. But remember, only a doctor prescribes these drugs!

How to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one by a blood test

Of course, the main difference between bacterial and viral infections will be in the results of blood tests.

So, in the presence of viruses, the number of leukocytes does not increase, and sometimes it is even slightly below normal. can change only due to an increase in the number of monocytes and lymphocytes, as well as a decrease in the number of neutrophils. In this case, the ESR may increase slightly, although in cases with a severe course of SARS, it may turn out to be high.

Bacterial infections usually cause an increase in the number of leukocytes, which is provoked by an increase in the number of neutrophils. The percentage of lymphocytes decreases, but the number of young forms - myelocytes - also increases. ESR is usually quite high.

The main signs by which one can distinguish between viral and bacterial infections

So, let's summarize how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one in children and adults. Common signs of all viral infections can be summarized in the following list:

• from the moment of infection to the first manifestations of the disease, one to three days pass;
• for another day or three, the symptoms of intoxication and allergy to viruses last;
• and the disease itself begins with a high temperature, and its first signs are rhinitis, pharyngitis and conjunctivitis.

Bacteria, unlike viruses, develop more slowly. Very often, a bacterial infection is superimposed on an already existing viral disease. The main sign of a bacterial infection is a clearly defined place of its “application”. And now once again we list the signs of a bacterial infection:

• slow onset, often manifesting as a second wave of viral infection;
• a long (up to 2 weeks) period from the onset of infection to the first manifestations of the disease;
• not very high temperature and a clear severity of the lesion.

Don't hesitate to consult a doctor!

Knowing how to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one in a child by a blood test and by general signs, still do not try to draw conclusions and prescribe treatment on your own.

And in the following situations, emergency specialist help is essential:

• the patient's temperature rises to 40 ° C and above and, moreover, is poorly controlled by antipyretics;
• consciousness becomes confused, or fainting appears;
• a rash or small hemorrhages appear on the body;
• in chest painful sensations are recorded during breathing, as well as its difficulty (a particularly serious sign is the release of pink sputum when coughing);
• green or green discharge from the respiratory tract Brown color having blood impurities;
• there are chest pains that do not depend on breathing.

Do not hesitate to contact the doctor, and the patient's health will be restored!

An infectious disease is a disease caused by a specific agent. It enters the body through the entrance gate, penetrates into the tissues and actively multiplies, causing the clinical symptoms of the disease.

Infectious pathology has many pathogens, it affects children and adults. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, prions cause all sorts of contagious problems.

The key to successful treatment of any disease is rapid diagnosis. What are the hallmarks of an infection? What symptoms accompany infectious processes? We will talk about this in detail in our article.

What do all infections have in common?

Infectious diseases are the most extensive group of diseases. But, of course, all these pathologies have common features.

We list the characteristic signs of a viral infection.

1. Infectious diseases are contagious. They are transmitted from person to person, causing their wide distribution. Contagiousness is characteristic of most viral infections (influenza, rhinoviruses, rotaviruses), bacterial infections (diphtheria, whooping cough).

It does not always take a sick person to transmit an infection. In some diseases, an infectious agent enters the body with food, water, through insect bites (typhus, brucellosis, salmonella).

1. The presence of an incubation period is also an integral feature of an infectious disease. The incubation period is the time from the entry of an infectious agent into the body until the first symptoms of the disease appear. The length of this period varies. From 1-2 days with influenza and SARS, up to 10 years with HIV.

The time of the incubation period is determined by the aggressiveness of the agent and the nature of the body's immune response.

1. For all infectious diseases, a certain cyclical course is characteristic. After a period of incubation, a prodrome (general vague signs of infection) sets in, later it is replaced by the height of the disease and at the end comes the outcome (the body copes with the infectious agent or death occurs). This scheme can describe any infection from influenza to AIDS and hepatitis.

Clinical manifestation of viral infectious diseases

An infectious agent entering the body determines the clinical picture of the disease. Next, we describe the most common symptoms and syndromes in infections caused by viruses.

fever syndrome. Fever is a characteristic sign of a viral infection. Without a rise in temperature, only mild forms of SARS occur. Most often, this course of the disease is typical for adults. Usually viral infections are accompanied by low-grade fever (up to 38 ° C). If the temperature rises above 39 and 40 ° C, then this is a sign of a serious illness. Hectic fever accompanies infections such as influenza, infectious mononucleosis. With viral diseases, the temperature lasts no more than 2 weeks.

Rash. Rash in viral infections occurs frequently. It can be vesicular in nature (herpes, chicken pox, shingles), spread in spots (rubella, measles), have a roseous appearance (enterovirus infections). Rashes appear more often in children than in adults.

Intoxication. An infectious agent that enters the body releases toxins that poison the cells of the body. Signs of a viral infection include headache, nausea, weakness, weakness, loss of appetite. The severity of intoxication depends on the severity of the viral disease. Children suffer the most from it. In adults, as a rule, viral infections are milder.

meningeal syndrome. Viral infections are often complicated by brain symptoms. Dangerous meningitis occurs with influenza,. In children, meningitis occurs an order of magnitude more often than in adults.

Diarrhea. Diarrhea with viruses is osmotic in nature. The chair is plentiful, watery, without admixture of feces and blood. Most often digestive system noraviruses and rotaviruses.

Enteroviral infections are very difficult in children. With the development of dehydration, urgent hospitalization is required.

Signs of female infections

All sexually transmitted infections are also caused by infectious agents. Among them are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, trichomoniasis. STIs affect men and women equally often. But the female gender is more likely to be asymptomatic for such infections. What signs will allow ladies to suspect the presence of an infectious agent? Let's talk about this further.

Unpleasant symptoms in the genital area are a signal for any woman. If the following signs appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and go through a list of recommended examinations. Signs of infectious diseases in women are:

1. Itching and burning in the genital area.
2. Hyperemia of the vulva or anus.
3. Pain or discomfort during sex.
4. The presence of various rashes on the genitals (vesicles, ulcers).
5. Discharge and bad smell.
6. Inguinal lymphadenitis.
7. Frequent cystitis.
8. Lower abdominal pain.

Do not delay the diagnosis, because sexual infections have a lot of unpleasant consequences.

Chlamydia caused by small bacterium-like agents. In women, chlamydia is the cause of inflammation of the cervix, ovaries. The chronic course of this infection leads to the formation of adhesions (fusions) in the fallopian tubes. In women, chlamydial infection is main reason development of infertility.

Syphilis. The bacterium Treponemapallidum enters the human body through the genitals (with traditional contact) or through the mucous membranes of the mouth and anus. A dense, painless scar forms at the site of penetration. In the absence of treatment, the disease passes into the secondary and tertiary stages. In this case, the internal organs are affected, and death can occur.

Women are more likely to contract syphilis through unprotected intercourse than men.

Gonorrhea. The causative agent of gonorrhea is gonococcus (Neisseriagonorrhoeae). It is easily transmitted from person to person during any type of unprotected intercourse. In women, the symptoms of gonorrhea begin with pain and burning when urinating. Gonococcus infects the urinary canal, causing severe inflammatory changes with pus and fever. In men, the urethra is also affected. Inflammation can go to the prostate. This is the picture of the disease in adults. Children born to infected mothers develop purulent conjunctivitis.

Trichomoniasis. This disease often occurs in an erased form, especially in women. Symptoms are mild. They include pain during intercourse, pus-like discharge, painful urination, and redness of the genitals. In women, there is an unpleasant odor from the vagina.

Genital herpes. The disease has a viral pathogen. Caused by the herpes virus type 2. The herpes virus reacts to the tension of the immune system; when it enters the body, it remains in the nerve ganglia for life. The clinic of genital herpes is a small vesicular rash on the genitals, itching, lymphadenopathy (enlarged regional lymph nodes). Herpes is especially dangerous for pregnant women, it causes severe diseases of the fetus.

“Catching” a disease today for a common person is a common occurrence. The body of almost every second person is so weak and infirm that it is unable to withstand the attack of the virus “Armata” and heal itself on its own. If this case concerned children, then everything could be attributed to only the emerging organism and weakened immunity. But for adults, the situation is no better than a child's - they also often get sick, and their "range" of diseases is noticeably richer and more interesting. In order not to get a complication from an infection and not go to the hospital for a long time, you should be able to distinguish between symptoms viral diseases.

Common symptoms in adults: characteristics and features

The virus is a non-cellular organism that ideally takes root inside the cells of the human body. The attack of a viral infection can be directed to both adults and children. There are the following types of viruses that cause various diseases:

• hepatitis;
• cytomegalovirus;
• herpes simplex ("herpes");
• pathogenesis;
• papillomaviruses;
• molluscum contagiosum;
• SARS;
• flu.

Symptoms of penetration into the human body of the above viruses are difficult to trace, and some do not have them at all. The virus enters a weakened human body, where the cells for it become the subject of food and a breeding ground. After that, the cell dies, and the virus, having grown stronger, spreads further with the help of blood.

Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, chills and "withdrawal" ... These are common signs that a person is stricken with a viral infection. It should be treated as early as possible, at the very beginning.

You should be able to distinguish the first symptoms of adult infection with viral infections. It is also important not to start the process of spreading the virus in the body and promptly seek help from a specialist.

The following are the most common viral infections:

• herpes;
• papillomavirus;
• hepatitis;
• cytomegalovirus;
• contagious;
• SARS;
• flu;
• rotavirus;
• mononucleosis.

herpes infection

Herpes is one of the most common viruses that affected almost the entire population of the Earth at least once in a lifetime. It is a formation in the form of growths (rashes) on areas of the skin and mucous membranes in the form of transparent "droplets". They should be treated immediately, at the first appearance.

There are the following types of manifestations of herpes:

• the first type - growths on the face;
• the second type - on the genitals;
• the third type is lichen (shingles) or chicken pox;
• the fourth type - more often in the form of mononucleosis (usually monocytic tonsillitis);
• the fifth type - more often in the form of cytomegaly;
• the sixth type - can cause the appearance of senile dementia (Alzheimer's syndrome).
• the seventh and eighth types - do not have pronounced symptoms and are currently being studied (although they are characterized by general human fatigue).

Symptoms of the first type: lethargy and malaise are usually accompanied by fever and headaches, there is also an unpleasant itching on the skin (usually on the lips) or mucous membranes, most often a few days before the appearance of small transparent vesicular formations (2-3 mm in diameter) .

Symptoms of the second type: the appearance of genital herpes is preceded by mild itching in the intimate parts of the body (for women - on the labia, for men - on the head of the penis), headache, fever, even sometimes accompanied by a sharp pain when visiting the restroom (for men and women ), purulent discharge (for women). The herpes virus of this type can cause cervical erosion and cancer in women, and prostate cancer in men.

Symptoms of the third type: this virus spreads throughout the skin of adults in the form of red (sometimes gray) spots of scaly formation, after 2-3 days changing color to pinkish-pale. If the virus has affected the skin of the head, then sometimes hair loss occurs in the affected area, which causes a bald spot.

Symptoms of the fourth type: characterized by either a complete absence of a clear expression, or slightly noticeable. Usually it takes a long time with an increase in lymph nodes, fever, lethargy and chills, anorexia and difficulty in swallowing. There is also an inability to breathe through.

Symptoms of the fifth type: increased sweating, lethargy, fever, turning into cough, runny nose, enlarged liver (sometimes spleen). May also be affected: heart, intestines, eyes.

Symptoms of the sixth type: ignoring all of the above symptoms can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, which usually manifests itself in the elderly. Manifested in violation of human intelligence.

papillomavirus infection

Human papillomavirus today is a very common infection that affects the mucous membrane and skin in the form of growths, sometimes provoking the formation of cancer.

It usually proceeds without pronounced symptoms, it is rather characterized by a latent form of manifestation (usually from several months to 2-3 years). With a decrease in immunity, the papilloma virus quickly makes itself felt, speaking on the skin and mucous membranes in the form of growth formations:

1. In men - in the inguinal region (on the head of the penis, more often on the frenulum, on the shaft of the penis), on the tongue.
2. In women - on the large and small labia, on the cervix.

Jaundice has been ill with many adults in childhood, and yet it is the main symptom for the possible formation of hepatitis.

Usually, this virus is transmitted through contaminated blood, when reusing syringes and other surgical equipment (which had previously been in contact with an infected object).

The first signs of the appearance of hepatitis in adults: more often it can be asymptomatic, but, in general, it is expressed by a general lethargy of a person, headache, nausea, fever, lack of appetite, fever, change in urine color (to brown), the appearance of jaundice.

HIV symptoms

Perhaps the most unpleasant disease of the entire era of mankind. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is asymptomatic, so a test is required to detect it. There are some signs that can give a call to the hospital: fever, swollen lymph nodes (in the groin, on the neck), nausea, vomiting, stool changes (diarrhea), sore throat.

In the course of HIV development, the body weakens, the immune system decreases, which makes a person a target for viral infections that cannot be treated and are extremely difficult. HIV enters the stage of reduced immunity syndrome, often accompanied by herpes and pneumonia, which are fatal.

Usually HIV can be present in a latent form for more than 10 years and not make itself felt until you get AIDS. Unfortunately, modern medicine is unable to treat patients with this virus today.

SARS and rotavirus infection

SARS is one of the most common diseases today. modern society. It is clearly expressed in the defeat of the respiratory tract with lightning speed.

The symptoms of SARS are fairly easy to recognize. Appears:

• slight chills;
• temperature increase (up to 40 degrees);
• general weakness and fatigue of the whole body, subsequently turning into muscle pain;
• profuse sweating;
• severe pain in the head;
• runny nose and cough (usually dry).

Also, this creates a feeling of heaviness when inhaling and exhaling, which makes it difficult to breathe, nasal congestion appears and the voice begins to “act up”.

This infection can be treated both by boosting immunity and by medications.

Rotavirus infection is also called intestinal flu. Rotavirus usually infects the human body in a few days, usually starting from the oral cavity, since the virus itself enters the body through dirty hands or dirty products.

In this case, the following clear signs of the penetration of a viral infection appear:

• temperature rise;
• regular vomiting;
• general fatigue;
• sometimes with indigestion and diarrhea (with characteristic yellow feces, subsequently turning into grayish).

Cytomegalovirus infection

It is referred to as a viral herpes infection. If you get infected with this infection once, then it will accompany a person for the rest of his life. Since cytomegalovirus is a frequent companion of AIDS, you should be very careful about this disease.

Typically, the virus manifests itself in the body of adults as follows:

• fever appears;
• general lethargy and lack of strength;
• there is an unpleasant pain in all muscles at once;
• apathetic state.

If the eyes are affected by this virus, a person can go blind.

Signs of a contagious infection

A skin disease that appears in the form of characteristic watery rashes. It is transmitted through contact with contaminated dishes, objects and things. After 10-15 days (sometimes incubation period can last up to 60-70 days), the first easily noticeable signs of contagious disease appear: colorless (sometimes pink) formations (spots) on the neck, abdomen or back. They then progress, coalescing into large formations the size of a match head, often organizing whole "islands" on the skin. When they are pierced, white mucus is released with the presence of noticeable "clams" in it.

For centuries, people have fought for the right to be free from the king, which they received more than half a century ago. But until now, another enslaving force has enveloped all the worldly people and does not want to let go - a viral disease. Infections have adapted to many drugs and sera to such an extent that today it is extremely difficult to get rid of them even for adults. At least recognize the symptoms of a virus attack on human body sometimes problematic, but only the timely intervention of doctors can prevent troubles and health problems.

Read other interesting articles:

What is a virus? A virus is, if in general terms, a simple genetic material(so-called polynucleotide) in a protein shell. Viruses are not cells, they are smaller than bacteria. By themselves, viruses do not reproduce, they need a carrier - which, by the way, dies during the process of virus reproduction, because of which we begin to feel worse. Signs of a viral infection are felt immediately throughout the body, a clear and limited localization of symptoms in this case rarity.

How long can a viral infection last? As a rule, symptoms disappear within 3-10 days. The first few days are the most difficult, then a gradual decline begins.

• Here The best way to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one: if the symptoms have been observed for a week, and without changes, then the infection is most likely bacterial. On the other hand, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, then this may be a sign of the presence of a complication of a viral infection - say, a secondary bacterial infection.
• However, viral sinusitis will plague you for 3-4 weeks ... and then it will also go away on its own.

1. Check if your temperature is elevated. One of the main symptoms of a viral infection is a slight fever. In principle, raising the temperature in order to burn out everything foreign is a natural reaction of the body to a viral pathogen. Elevated temperature It also slows down the production of certain enzymes in the body that the virus needs. However, fighting the virus, the body does not raise the temperature too high.

   • Check the temperature and if the thermometer reads something between 37 and 38 Celsius - you have a temperature, but not too high. At the same time, you may sweat, freeze, your muscles may ache, your appetite will disappear and a feeling of general undernourishment will appear.

2. Watch out for headaches. Viral infection and headache - best friends. Either the virus itself or the body's reaction to the virus will bring a headache.

   • At the same time, pay attention to the nature of the pain. Headache with a viral infection is felt in the front of the head, it seems to give to the forehead. Such pain may be felt as sharp and throbbing or as long and dull.

3. What about a runny nose? A runny nose is a classic symptom of a viral upper respiratory infection. Mucus running down the nose (or down the nasopharynx), feeling stuffy in the nose, and not being able to breathe normally through the nose are what you will experience in this case.

   • A runny nose can lead to the development of a cough, this is the so-called “post-nasal syndrome”, in which the mucus formed in the nose drains into the nasopharynx, irritates its mucous membrane and provokes a cough.

4. Basically a cough. Sometimes viral infections of the upper respiratory tract bring with them a cough. The reason for this is the increased production of mucus by the body. Mucus is designed to remove pathogens, as if to wash them. Mucus irritates the mucous membranes, provoking the development of a cough.

   • A cough caused by a viral infection develops and worsens within a day or two. Coughing is accompanied by expectoration of sputum (actually, mucus). Although the viral infection may clear up within a few days, the cough may persist for up to a month. This is because the throat recovers from inflammation longer than other parts of the body.

5. Pay attention to expectorant sputum. It doesn’t sound like much, but the color of sputum can tell a lot about what’s going on inside you. The sputum formed due to a viral infection is always clear and fluid.

   • In turn, if a bacterial infection is behind the sputum, then the sputum is thick, and in color - yellowish, greenish, orange or even reddish.

6. Sore throat. Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract bring with them a sore throat, it's almost inevitable. The reason for this is that the virus causes inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat, which makes it irritated and starts to hurt.

   • Is your throat swollen? Does it hurt to swallow? Does your throat itch, does it burn? This is what we were talking about!

7. Pay attention to how quickly you get tired. On those days when the body directs all its forces to fight the virus, you feel very tired. The best thing to do on such days is to rest.

   Don't be afraid of pain all over your body. Viral infections, as a rule, “give” throughout the body, and not in any one part of it. In particular, the virus also makes itself felt with muscle pain. All muscles, literally everything - from the muscles in the forehead to those in the tips of the toes, will hurt.

   • Pain in all muscles at once is called myalgia. In some people, by the way, this pain is felt especially acutely.
   • There is also arthralgia, in which the joints also hurt.

8. A sick child may develop a rash. Viral infections often give themselves out as a rash - but only if the child gets sick. The rash appears as red dots. However, not all viruses manifest themselves in this way. Among those that are manifested by a rash, one can name:

   • Measles, rubella, parvoviruses, human herpesvirus types 6 and 7.

9. Note if symptoms of a gastrointestinal viral infection have developed. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may make you think that you have contracted a virus that affects the gastrointestinal tract. These viruses include:

   • Rotavirus (generally affects only children), norovirus (aka “stomach flu”), adenovirus (again, only children), and astrovirus (a less severe form of norovirus).

10. What are the symptoms of different viral infections? Yes, it will be helpful to know the symptoms common to “viral” infections, but it will also be helpful to know the more specific symptoms.

    • Respiratory viral infections: Runny nose, mild to moderate sore throat, cough, mild to moderate fever (no more than 38.3 Celsius in adults), fatigue, and body aches.
    • Sinusitis (inflammation of the membranes of the sinuses): headache in the area paranasal sinuses, nasal congestion, cloudy or discolored mucus (more specifically, snot), a feeling of pressure in the sinuses and pain in the face.
    • Gastrointestinal viral infections: mild to moderate fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Method 2 of 3: Signs of a bacterial infection

1. What are "bacteria" and what do they do? If viruses are defective cells that need carriers, then bacteria are full-fledged unicellular microorganisms that can exist on their own. Bacteria are everywhere - in the earth, water, air, on our skin and in our insides. The symptoms that a bacterial infection manifests apply only to a specific part of the body, and not to the entire body.

   • Most bacteria are harmless to us, there are even beneficial bacteria- in particular, the intestinal microflora. There are, of course, harmful bacteria causing respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

2. How long can a bacterial infection last? Depending on the type of infection, its localization, the patient's immunity, his state of health, as well as the drugs used, a bacterial type infection can last from 5 to 14 days. A common feature of bacterial infections is that they get worse over time (unlike viral infections, where things get better every day). A bacterial infection can only be cured with medication (antibiotics).

   • Any drug treatment, including antibiotics, has some effect on how long the illness lasts.

3. Check temperature. If it is high (above 38 Celsius), then perhaps we are dealing with a bacterial infection. Otherwise, the principle is the same - the body raises the temperature, trying to kill the "aliens".

   • If the temperature is kept at 38.3 Celsius, then a person may sweat, freeze, he may have a headache, muscle pain, a feeling of weakness and loss of appetite may also be noted.
   • At a temperature of 39.4 to 41.1 Celsius, hallucinations, dehydration, convulsions and irritability are characteristic.

4. Pay attention to whether it hurts somewhere in one place. Bacterial infections can cause severe pain in one part of the body. For example, infections that affect the ears will present with acute and persistent pain in the affected ear.

5. • Place your fingers over the lymph nodes located around the ears. Run your fingers over them in a gentle circular motion. Swollen lymph nodes are hard, pea-sized. You can learn more about lymph nodes from.

Discuss the occurrence of abscesses with your doctor. An abscess is a cavity filled with pus that can form anywhere, both on the skin and in the internal organs (depending on where the bacterial infection is located). Abscesses are another way the body uses to fight infection. The principle is simple: the body sends phagocytes to the place where the bacteria are located, and dead bacteria and phagocytes form pus that accumulates in the abscess.

• Symptoms of abscesses: swelling (the abscess looks swollen), redness, fever in and around the abscess, pain in the area of ​​​​the abscess localization, and loss of functionality of the area where the abscess formed is also possible.

6. What are the symptoms of various bacterial infections? Different bacteria - different symptoms, and this is just the first. Symptoms also depend on the location of the infection, which can either remain in one place or become “systemic” - i.e. spread throughout the body. It is helpful to know the symptoms of the following common bacterial infections:

   • Angina: sudden onset of severe sore throat and fever up to 38 Celsius. There is also a headache, nausea, the lymph nodes in the neck swell, the tonsils become inflamed, and a slight rash appears on the skin.
   • Bacterial sinusitis: Similar to viral sinusitis. There may also be an increase in temperature, and the color of the mucus will be green or yellow.
   • Bacterial pneumonia: This is an extremely serious disease in which the temperature rises to 41 Celsius. There is also chest pain, shortness of breath, expectorant cough, loss of appetite and terrible fatigue.
   • Salmonella: This infection affects the gastrointestinal tract and is accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea (thin and bloody), vomiting, nausea, and headache.

7. Be aware that bacterial infections can be secondary. It happens that a viral infection leads to the fact that a person also becomes infected with a bacterial infection. This can be judged by the following signs:

   • While the virus does not last longer than two weeks, in this case, the symptoms last longer.
   • The temperature rises higher than with a normal virus.
   • Over time, the symptoms and fever only get worse.

Method 3 of 3: Getting Medical Care

1. Treating the symptoms of a viral infection. Viruses go away on their own, so all that needs to be treated are the symptoms that cause you pain or discomfort.

   • Acetaminophen or will relieve headache and muscle pain, as well as lower the temperature.
   • Drink plenty of water. Viral infections lead to dehydration, and then you need to take care of the water balance. Your goal is to drink more than eight glasses of water a day.
   • Sleep as much as possible. You need to rest to conserve energy and allow the body to cope with the infection.

2. See your doctor if you suspect a bacterial infection. This is perhaps the best way to confirm or refute your suspicions about the bacterial nature of the infection. You will be given a referral for a blood test, which will make it clear what you are suffering from (with viral and bacterial infections in the blood, there is an increased content of white blood cells, which are different in one case or another).

   Take antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection. Correction - take antibiotics only with a doctor's prescription. What exactly you will be prescribed will depend on your diagnosis. Strictly follow the doctor's instructions! Take antibiotics on schedule without missing a day! Drink the full course to avoid relapse! By the way, you can prescribe the following drugs:

   • Angina:, penicillin, and.
   • Bacterial sinusitis: amoxicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or.
   • Salmonella in a very severe course: , fluoroquinolones or third-generation cephalosporins.

3. Remember that some bacterial infections are contagious (angina is an example). Accordingly, you need not only to clarify the diagnosis and strictly follow the treatment plan, but also avoid contact with people for a certain period of time. Which one exactly? At least within a day from the moment of the beginning of reception of antibiotics.

   • By starting antibiotics, you will no longer be contagious - this, by the way, is another reason to start treatment as soon as possible.

4. Take care of yourself! When you get sick, your first thought is something like: “What's wrong with me?! Cold or something more serious?!”. This is fine. Now that you know how viral and bacterial infections are similar and different, it will be easier for you to give yourself answers to these questions. However, even doctors sometimes make mistakes. Accordingly, if you do not know what is wrong with you, act as if you are contagious. Take care of yourself!

• The flu shot is a measure to prevent viral infections.
• The most common viruses are: rhinoviruses (colds), rotaviruses (gastroenteritis), noroviruses (gastroenteritis again) and influenza virus.
• One of the most common bacterial infections in the upper respiratory tract is group A streptococcus, which causes sore throats.
• Other bacterial infections include bacterial sinusitis and bacterial pneumonia (caused by streptococcus pneumoniae or a bacterium of the genus Haemophilus influenzae - Haemophilus influenzae)
• Common bacterial infections that affect the gastrointestinal tract include salmonella, E. Coli bacteria, and gas gangrene bacilli.

Warnings

• See your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have a bacterial infection.
• It doesn't matter if it's a virus or a bacterium, it's important to get plenty of rest!
• Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen. If symptoms worsen after improvement, if they become very severe, if they do not disappear gradually, or if systemic side effects develop (dehydration, decreased blood pressure), then see your doctor.