Question: When I get sick, how can tell if I need an antibiotic? Answer: Antibiotics are medicines that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, strep throat and deep chest infections like pneumonia. Antibiotics are not effective for viral infections, such as colds, the flu and stomach viruses. Contrary to popular belief, most cases of sinus infection, ear infection and bronchitis are also caused by viruses.It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a viral and bacterial infection. In general, bacterial infections are focused on one body part, such as the lungs or the throat, while viral infections are more generalized and usually affect the whole body. For example, strep throat, a bacterial infection, causes sore throat and fever, but should not cause a runny nose or cough. If one has a sore throat, cough, runny nose and muscle aches, for example, they likely have a viral infection.Several misconceptions exist regarding the difference between viral and bacterial infections. Some people believe that viral infections only last a few days, where bacterial infections last longer. In fact, viral infections such as the flu can last up to several weeks. Another belief is that clear nasal discharge or mucus indicates a viral infection; and colored, such as green or yellow discharge indicates a bacterial infection. Extensive studies have shown that there is no association between the color of the discharge and the type of infection present. These studies also indicate that most green nasal discharge is caused by viral infections. Finally, some people believe that the presence or absence of a fever, or the degree of fever, can help distinguish between types of infections. In fact, fever is often present for either viral or bacterial infections and is often higher with viruses.Certain types of infections are almost always caused by bacteria, such as urinary tract infections and skin infections, which need to be treated right away. One should also suspect a bacterial infection if they experience shortness of breath after a chest cold, a sore throat and fever with no cold symptoms or an infection that doesn’t get better after two to three weeks.It is important to tell the difference between a viral and bacterial infection to determine the best way to treat it. If an infection is viral, antibiotics will do no good. For viral infections, the most effective treatment is symptomatic, using cough and cold medications to get relief. If an infection is bacterial, antibiotics will help to resolve it. Typically, a good physical exam will determine what kind of infection a person has, along with appropriate testing, such as throat swabs and chest x-rays.Antibiotics have been overused for years. Several types of infections, such as sinus infections and bronchitis that previously were thought to be bacterial and were treated with antibiotics, are now known to be viral. People with these infections used to be – and are sometimes still treated with antibiotics and tend to get better. But studies show they would get better equally well without antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics leads to resistance, or the ability of bacteria to survive when antibiotics are used. These bacteria often become stronger and will make a person even sicker if they become infected.If you are sick and are concerned, it is always a good idea to be evaluated by your doctor. He or she can determine whether your infection is viral or bacterial. If it is viral, you may be told to continue to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter medications. This is sometimes frustrating, but every time your body successfully fights off an infection by itself, it will be better able to do it again the next time you get sick. Dr. Kent HerbertBoard-Certified Family PhysicianFalcon Family Medicine7641 McLaughlin Rd.Falcon, CO 80831(719) 494-2006(719) 494-8448 faxwww.FalconFamilyMedicine.com
