The difference between viral and bacterial infections is often difficult to recognize because they can cause similar symptoms. However, viral and bacterial infections are fundamentally very different because they are caused by different microorganisms.
Viruses and bacteria are very small microbes (microorganisms). Viruses are smaller than bacteria. Even the largest viruses are still smaller than even the smallest bacteria.
Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot survive without a host. In addition, the virus also attacks more specific body parts, such as blood cells, liver, or respiratory tract only.
In some types of disease, it is difficult to determine the difference between viral and bacterial infections as the cause. For example, diarrhea, meningitis, and pneumonia can be caused by both.
To determine whether your infection is caused by a virus or bacteria, your doctor can perform a physical exam and medical history. If necessary, the doctor can also perform supporting tests such as urine tests or blood tests.
What is a viral infection?
Viruses live and reproduce by attaching to their host cells. When viruses enter the body, they will attack the cells in the host's body, dominate the cells, and multiply in the cells.
Viruses can damage, kill, and change cells in the body. Viruses can also trigger the occurrence of a disease. There are several types of diseases that can be caused by viruses, including:
- Flu
- Chicken pox
- Roseola
- Measles
- German measles (rubella)
- Herpes
- Hepatitis B and C
- Mumps
- Chikungunya
- Dengue fever
- Polio
- Ebola
- HIV/AIDS
- COVID-19
To treat diseases caused by viruses, your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs. However, some viral infections go away on their own, so treatment only aims to relieve symptoms.
What is a Bacterial Infection?
Bacteria can live in various types of environments, including the human body. Bad bacteria that can cause disease in the human body are called pathogenic bacteria.
The following are some diseases caused by infection with pathogenic bacteria:
- Sore throat
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Gonorrhea
- chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Cholera
- Tetanus
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
However, not all bacteria are harmful, 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. These bacteria are called normal flora.
One important difference between viral and bacterial infections is their treatment. Bacterial infections are generally treated with antibiotics. However, antibiotics cannot be used to treat viral infections. Antibiotics work by inhibiting the growth and metabolism of bacteria in the human body.
However, the use of antibiotics is not always effective in killing bacteria, because bacteria have the ability to adapt very quickly. Inappropriate use of antibiotics will actually make the bacteria become resistant or resistant to these antibiotics.
If this happens, antibiotics will no longer be effective at killing bacteria. Therefore, the use of antibiotics should be in accordance with the doctor's recommendations.
Spread of Viruses and Bacteria
Bacteria and viruses can enter the body in several ways, namely:
- Breathing contaminated air and usually transmitted by an infected person when coughing and sneezing
- Consuming food or water that has been contaminated with viruses or bacteria
- Contact with bodily fluids of a sick person, including blood, urine, and feces
- Contact with non-sterile objects, such as doorknobs, toys, or unclean toilets
How to prevent viral and bacterial infections
To prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria, there are several steps you can take, including:
1 Mwash your hands regularly
Regularly washing hands with soap after outdoor activities and after using the toilet or before eating is very effective in preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria that cause infection.
2. Maintain food hygiene
One way that can be done to break the chain of spread of viral and bacterial infections is to maintain a clean environment when processing food.
Before you start cooking, make sure the utensils and containers to be used are clean. Don't forget to wash your hands first before you start cooking and processing food.
3. Vaccination
The benefits of vaccination are very important to protect the body from certain infections or diseases. Vaccines can be given to children as well as adults. You should also get vaccinated before traveling to certain areas.
4. Avoid risky behavior
The spread of bacteria and viruses can be prevented by avoiding risky behaviors, such as casual sex. Use condoms during sex and do not change sexual partners. Also avoid sharing needles with other people.
By living a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent viral and bacterial infections. In addition, it is also important to maintain a clean environment to prevent the risk of spreading viral and bacterial infectious diseases.
If you experience symptoms that are suspected to be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, immediately consult a doctor so that proper examination and treatment can be carried out.