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Infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites and have different symptoms and treatments. Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, while antiviral drugs can be used for viral infections. Basic hygiene practices can reduce the spread of infections. See a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Infections are the result of the body’s inability to fight off foreign microorganisms that can cause harm or disease if left untreated. They can be viral or bacterial in nature and could be caused by a fungus or parasite. There are many common types and some very rare ones, all with different causes and treatments.
Some common bacterial infections include strep throat, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, and E. coli. The different types are caused by many different kinds of bacteria. They are usually treated with an antibiotic specifically chosen to destroy infectious bacteria. Some, like strep throat, are internal, while others are external, like impetigo, a common skin infection. Oral antibiotics are usually effective in treating both types, and skin infections can often be treated with topical antibiotics.
Viral infections are different from bacterial infections in that they are caused by viruses, which are smaller than a bacterium or a fungus. When a virus infects healthy cells, it prevents the cells from doing their job and causes disease. Viruses usually infect a specific type of cell, which results in viral infections affecting certain parts of the body. Colds are the most common type and generally affect the upper respiratory tract. The flu is another common infection, but the symptoms can affect the whole body.
Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, but in some cases, an antiviral drug can be used to stop the virus from reproducing. Most diseases caused by viruses must run naturally and be fought by the body, but in some cases bacterial infections occur secondary to viral infections, so an antibiotic is used.
The fungus is also a common cause of infections, including ringworm, athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, and vaginal yeast. Fungal types are caused by fungi that have been transmitted through contact or have grown due to certain conditions in the body. This type is treated with antifungal medications that can be applied as a cream or taken by mouth.
There are many different causes of infections and different ways of spreading them. It’s not possible to prevent all types, even with a healthy immune system, but the risk for those caused by viruses can be dramatically reduced. Frequent hand washing and basic hygiene practices, such as not drinking or eating after someone, covering your mouth when coughing, and using tissues when sneezing, are all ways to reduce the spread of viruses.
Signs and symptoms of infections include fever, localized redness or swelling, painful swallowing, and pain in a specific part of the body, such as the throat, ear, or kidney area. If you have an unexplained fever that persists for more than 48 hours, that can’t be relieved by common over-the-counter medications, or that exceeds 220°F (104°C), you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if you have an infection and how it should be treated.
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