Bacteria & Viruses
Both viruses and bacteria cause infections, but antibiotics only
work against bacteria.
Viral infections
- Include colds, influenza, croup, laryngitis, chest colds (bronchitis), and most sore throats.
- Are usually more contagious than bacterial infections.
- If more than one person in the family has the same illness, it is likely 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 for viral infections
Bacterial infections
- Are less common than viral infections.
- Do not spread as easily from one person to another as viral infections.
- Common examples include strep throat and some types
of pneumonia.
- Antibiotics do work for bacterial infections, but are not always necessary
Antibiotic Resistance
Any use of antibiotics, can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Handwashing
Handwashing is the best way to stop the spread of infections.