How to Tell a Viral from a Bacterial Infection
Track the length of your illness., Pay attention to the color of your mucus., Observe your throat., Evaluate your fever.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Track the length of your illness.
In general, viral infections are milder than bacterial infections, but they tend to last longer.
You will feel very sick for 1 to 3 days and then you will start to feel better, but some of your symptoms may linger.
Symptoms that linger for a week or more may be a virus.It's important to stay vigilant and talk to your doctor about antibiotics if symptoms last for a while.
Viruses can morph into things like sinus infections or increase the risk of middle ear infections, which may result in you developing a bacterial infection as well. -
Step 2: Pay attention to the color of your mucus.
When you blow your nose or cough up mucus, pay attention to the color.
While it may feel a little gross, color can be an indicator of whether you have a viral or bacterial infection.Thin and clear mucus is more likely to be a viral infection.
Dark, greenish mucus is more likely to be a bacterial infection.
However, mucus color is not a 100% accurate indicator of whether you have a viral or bacterial infection.
Make sure to weigh in other factors. , A sore throat is common for both viral and bacterial infections.
Checking for a sore throat is the most common test that will be performed in your doctor’s office to determine if you need antibiotics right away.
Certain types of sore throats can indicate a bacterial infection.For example, white spots are generally caused by bacteria.
A sore throat without other symptoms, such as a runny nose or sneezing, may be a bacterial infection such as strep throat. , Fevers can be present in both viral and bacterial infections.
However, fevers differ slightly with different types of infections.
In bacterial infections, fevers tend to be higher.
With a bacterial infection, fevers get worse after a few days while they tend to improve a few days in with a viral infection.The normal human body temperature runs between
97.8° F (36.5°C) and 99°F (37.2°C). -
Step 3: Observe your throat.
-
Step 4: Evaluate your fever.
Detailed Guide
In general, viral infections are milder than bacterial infections, but they tend to last longer.
You will feel very sick for 1 to 3 days and then you will start to feel better, but some of your symptoms may linger.
Symptoms that linger for a week or more may be a virus.It's important to stay vigilant and talk to your doctor about antibiotics if symptoms last for a while.
Viruses can morph into things like sinus infections or increase the risk of middle ear infections, which may result in you developing a bacterial infection as well.
When you blow your nose or cough up mucus, pay attention to the color.
While it may feel a little gross, color can be an indicator of whether you have a viral or bacterial infection.Thin and clear mucus is more likely to be a viral infection.
Dark, greenish mucus is more likely to be a bacterial infection.
However, mucus color is not a 100% accurate indicator of whether you have a viral or bacterial infection.
Make sure to weigh in other factors. , A sore throat is common for both viral and bacterial infections.
Checking for a sore throat is the most common test that will be performed in your doctor’s office to determine if you need antibiotics right away.
Certain types of sore throats can indicate a bacterial infection.For example, white spots are generally caused by bacteria.
A sore throat without other symptoms, such as a runny nose or sneezing, may be a bacterial infection such as strep throat. , Fevers can be present in both viral and bacterial infections.
However, fevers differ slightly with different types of infections.
In bacterial infections, fevers tend to be higher.
With a bacterial infection, fevers get worse after a few days while they tend to improve a few days in with a viral infection.The normal human body temperature runs between
97.8° F (36.5°C) and 99°F (37.2°C).
About the Author
Stephanie Roberts
Specializes in breaking down complex creative arts topics into simple steps.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: