Both viruses and bacteria cause infections, but antibiotics only work against bacteria.
Viral Infections
- Include colds, flu, croup, laryngitis, chest colds (bronchitis) and most sore throats.
- Are more contagious than bacterial infections. (If more than one person in the family has the same illness, odds are it is a viral infection.)
- Can make you just as sick as bacterial infections.
- Usually get better in 4-5 days but it might take as long as three weeks to fully recover.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses
Bacterial Infections
- Are less common than viral infections.
- Do not spread as easily from one person to another as viral infections.
- Cause infections such as pneumonia and strep throat.
Antibiotics do work against most bacteria