Are you coughing, have a sore throat, or are you feeling feverish? Oh, it’s viral flu. It is common to get caught with different allergic symptoms during winter or during a season change. You need to be careful by staying warm, sanitised and safe. Due to reasons like cold weather, wind, dry atmosphere, pollen, dust and pollution the risk of allergic cough, cold, fever arises. People get confused whether it is a bacterial or viral infection. Most bacterial and viral infections are transferable. You will experience different symptoms with varying severity according to types of pathogens. Some illnesses can be treated with antibiotics or antiviral medications, while others may be prevented with the help of vaccinations. Whether it is a bacterial or viral infection precaution is the better way to avoid such infections.
In this article, we will differentiate between a viral infection and a bacterial one and how to stay immune and boost immunity against infection.
Bacterial Vs. Viral Infection
Bacteria are microorganisms that consist of a single cell. They are extremely diverse and can have a wide range of forms and structural properties. Bacteria may exist in practically any environment, including inside or on the human body.
Viruses are a sort of tiny microorganism that is even smaller than bacteria. They, like bacteria, are extremely diverse, with a wide range of shapes and properties. Viruses are parasitic in nature. That is, they require living cells or tissue to grow.
How do they transmit
Many bacterial infections are contagious. There are many ways a bacterial infection can be transmitted.
Contact with a person who has a bacterial infection e.g. touching, eating together, kissing.
Contact with the body fluids of infected person, e.g. sexual contact, coughs or sneezes.
Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or delivery
From surfaces contaminated with the bacteria, such as doorknobs or faucet handles
Through the bite of an infected insect.
Through contaminated food or water
Some examples of bacterial infections include;
Strep throat
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Bacterial food poisoning
Tuberculosis
Bacterial meningitis
Cellulitis
Lyme disease
Like bacterial infections, many viral infections are also contagious. They can be transmitted from person to person in many of the same ways.
Some examples of viral infections include;
COVID-19
Influenza
Common cold
Viral gastroenteritis
Chickenpox
Measles
Viral meningitis
Warts
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Viral hepatitis
Treatment: Viral infections
There’s no specific treatment for many viral infections. Treatment is typically focused on relieving symptoms, while your body works to clear the infection. This can include things like;
Staying hydrated
Enough rest
OTC decongestants and other medicines
Prescribed antiviral medication
Having strong immunity is the key to stay protected and not easily fall sick with a viral infection. Herbal and Ayurveda medicines are safe and holistic ways to build immunity naturally. Bal Pharma’s Immuwin is an ayurvedic supplement that helps in building immunity. Immuwin provides strength and rejuvenation to the normal as well as deranged system. In addition, its detoxification action helps in preventing and curing various skin ailments.
Treatment: Bacterial infections
Antibiotics are antibiotics that are used to treat bacterial infections.
Antibiotics come in a variety of forms, but they all operate to prevent bacteria from multiplying and dividing. They have little effect on viral infections.
Antibiotics are made to treat bacterial infections only. However, medicines are frequently requested for viral illnesses. This is risky since antibiotic overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance develops when bacteria adapt to be resistant to specific antibiotics. It can make treating many bacterial illnesses more challenging. If you've been prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection, finish the complete course even if you start feeling better after a few days. By skipping dosages, you can avoid killing all pathogenic germs.
It is always better to opt precautions especially when you are exposed to an off weather. Wearing a mask, good hygiene, getting vaccinated, staying home when you’re sick, avoiding outside food are better practices. At the same time boosting immunity is preferable. Good sleep, a balanced diet, staying physically active, vitamin C and A rich food and supplements are ways to strengthen immunity power.