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What's the difference between a cold and the flu?

The common cold and the flu may seem very similar at first. They are indeed both respiratory illnesses and can cause similar symptoms. However, different viruses cause these two conditions, and your symptoms will gradually help you differentiate between the two.

Both a cold and the flu share a few common symptoms. People with either illness often experience:

As a rule, flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms.

Another distinct difference between the two is how serious they are. Colds rarely cause additional health conditions or problems. The flu, however, can lead to sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, and sepsis.

To determine whether your symptoms are from a cold or from the flu, you need to see your doctor. Your doctor will run tests that can help determine what's behind your symptoms.

If your doctor diagnoses a cold, you'll likely only need to treat your symptoms until the virus has had a chance to run its course. These treatments can include using over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest.

If you have the flu, you may benefit from taking an OTC flu medicine early in the virus' cycle. Rest and hydration are also very beneficial for people with the flu. Much like the common cold, the flu just needs time to work its way through your body.
If you think you're experiencing flu symptoms, learn more about the flu "
Cold symptoms typically take a few days to appear. The symptoms of a cold rarely appear suddenly. Knowing the difference between cold and flu symptoms can help you decide how to treat your condition - and whether you need to see your doctor.

Nasal symptoms include:

congestion

sinus pressure

runny nose

stuffy nose

loss of smell or taste

sneezing

watery nasal secretions

postnasal drip or drainage in the back of your throat

Head symptoms include:

Whole body symptoms include:

fatigue or general tiredness

chills

body aches

low-grade fever

chest discomfort

difficulty breathing deeply

Learn more about the symptoms of the common cold "
If you're experiencing symptoms of a cold, you're likely looking for relief. Cold treatments fall into two main categories:

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

The most common OTC medicines used for colds include decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers. Common "cold" medicines sometimes include a combination of these medicines. If you're using one, be sure to read the label and understand what you're taking so you don't accidentally take more than you should of any one class of drug.

Home remedies

The most effective and common home remedies for a cold include gargling with saltwater, rest, and staying hydrated. Some research also shows that herbs like echinacea may be effective at reducing symptoms of a cold. These treatments don't cure or treat a cold. Instead, they can just make symptoms less severe and easier to manage.

If you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before you take any OTC cold medicine. Most people with high blood pressure can take these medicines with no concerns. However, some decongestant medications work by narrowing blood vessels. This may increase your blood pressure, and if you already have blood pressure issues, the medicine may complicate your condition.
Learn about more home remedies for cold symptoms "
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't recommend children under the age of 4 take OTC cold medicines. Some doctors stretch that recommendation to age 6. If you have any questions, talk with your child's doctor.

Ease a child's cold symptoms with these home remedies:

Rest: Children who have a cold may be more lethargic and irritable than normal. Let them stay home from school and rest until the cold has cleared.

Hydration: It's very important children with a cold get plenty of fluids. Colds can dehydrate them quickly. Make sure they're drinking regularly. Water is great. Warm drinks like tea can pull double duty as a sore throat soother.

Food: Kids with a cold may not feel as hungry as usual, so look for ways to give them calories and fluids. Smoothies and soups are two great options.

Salt gargles: They aren't the most pleasant experience, but gargling with warm, salty water can make sore throats feel better. Saline nasal sprays can also help clear nasal congestion.

Warm baths: A warm bath can sometimes help reduce a fever and ease mild aches and pains that are common with a cold.
Check out these tips for treating children who have a cold "
The most common OTC cold medicines for adults and children over the age of 6 include decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers.

Decongestants help ease nasal congestion and stuffiness. Antihistamines prevent sneezing and ease runny noses. Pain relievers ease the general body aches that sometimes accompany a cold.

The most common side effects from OTC cold medications include:

Although these medicines may help you find symptom relief, they won't treat or shorten your cold's duration.

If you've previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should consult your doctor before using any OTC cold medications. Certain medications help relieve symptoms by narrowing blood vessels and reducing blood flow. If you have high blood pressure, this may affect blood flow throughout your body.

Younger children shouldn't receive these medicines. Overuse and side effects from cold medicines may cause serious problems for younger children.
Learn more about the medications used to treat the common cold "
Diagnosing a cold rarely requires a trip to your doctor's office. Recognizing symptoms of a cold is often all you need in order to diagnose yourself. Of course, if symptoms worsen or persist after about a week's time, you may need to see your doctor. You may actually be showing symptoms of a different problem, such as the flu or strep throat.

If you have a cold, you can expect the virus to work its way out in about a week to 10 days. If you have the flu, this virus may take the same amount of time to fully disappear, but if you notice symptoms are getting worse after day five, or if they've not disappeared in a week, you may have developed another condition.

The only way to definitively know if your symptoms are the result of a cold or the flu is to have your doctor run a series of tests. Because the symptoms and treatments for a cold and the flu are very similar, a diagnosis only helps you make sure you're paying more attention to your recovery.
Learn more about diagnosing a cold "
The common cold is a viral infection in your upper respiratory tract. Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. In most cases, viruses like the cold just need to run their course. You can treat the symptoms of the infection, but you can't actually treat the infection itself.

The average common cold lasts anywhere from seven to 10 days. Depending on your overall health, you may have symptoms for more or less time. For example, people who smoke or have asthma may experience symptoms longer.

If your symptoms do not ease or disappear in seven to 10 days, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Symptoms that don't go away could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as the flu or strep throat.
Learn more about what you can expect throughout your cold's duration "
Old wives' tales like "Feed a cold, starve a fever" are passed down from generation to generation. The saying comes from a 16th century idea that starving your body of energy while it's sick may actually help it make itself "warmer." Avoiding food, the same philosophy suggested, could help your body cool down if it had a fever.

Today, medical research suggests the saying should instead be "feed a cold, feed a fever." When your body is fighting an infection, like a cold, it's using much more energy than it does when you're well. Therefore, it needs more energy.

Energy comes from food. It makes sense, then, that you need to feed a cold so your body can have enough energy to help kick the virus as quickly as possible. You may be tempted to skip meals, however, because a cold can impair your sense of taste. But make sure you keep eating so your body has enough energy.

If you have a fever, you shouldn't avoid eating, either. A fever is a sign that your body's immune system is fighting to defeat a bug. A fever raises your body's natural temperature, which also increases metabolism. A faster metabolism burns more calories. The higher your fever climbs, the more energy your body needs. As with a cold, however, don't use a fever as an excuse to overeat. You just need to eat normally so your body gets plenty of energy to fight the bugs.

When you're sick you might not feel like eating at all, but your body still needs the energy food provides. The following foods may be extra helpful for your cold recovery:

Chicken noodle soup

The salty soup is a classic "treatment" for all kinds of illnesses. It's especially great for colds. Warm liquids are good for helping open up your sinuses so you can breathe more easily, and the salt from the soup can ease irritated throat tissue.

Hot tea

Warm drinks like tea are great for colds. Add honey for a cough-busting boost. Slices of ginger can also reduce inflammation and ease congestion. You shouldn't drink coffee, though. Caffeine can interfere with medicines, and it may increase your risk of dehydration.

Yogurt

Yogurts contain billions of healthy bacteria that can boost your gut health. Having a healthy microbiome in your gut can help your body fight any number of illnesses and conditions, including a cold.

Popsicles

Like hot tea, popsicles may help numb and ease the pain of a sore throat. Look for low-sugar varieties or make your own "smoothie" pop with yogurt, fruit, and natural juices.

The most important thing to remember when you have a cold is to stay hydrated. Drink water or warm tea regularly. Avoid caffeine and alcohol while you're recovering from a cold. Both can make symptoms of a cold worse.
Learn more about what you should eat and drink to soothe a sore throat "
Food Fix: Immune System Boost

Colds are very minor, but they are inconvenient and can certainly be miserable. You can't get a vaccine to prevent colds like you can the flu. But you can do a few key things during cold season to help you avoid picking up one of the viruses.

Here are four tips for cold prevention:

Wash your hands. Old-fashioned soap and water is the best way to stop the spread of germs. Only use antibacterial gels and sprays as a last resort when you can't get to a sink.

Take care of your gut. Eat plenty of bacteria-rich foods like yogurt, or take a daily probiotic supplement. Keeping your gut bacteria community healthy can help your overall health.

Avoid sick people. This is reason number one sick people shouldn't come into work or school. It's very easy to share germs in tight quarters like offices or classrooms. If you notice someone isn't feeling well, go out of your way to avoid them. Be sure to wash your hands after coming into contact them.

Cover your cough. Likewise, if you're feeling sick, don't keep infecting people around you. Cover your cough with a tissue or cough and sneeze into your elbow so you don't spray germs into your environment.
Check out more tips for cold prevention "
Food Fix: Immune System Boost

Viruses, often cold rhinoviruses, can be spread person to person or surface to person. A virus can live on a surface for several days. If someone with a virus touches a door handle, people who touch that same handle for several days afterward may pick up the virus.

Having the virus on your skin doesn't mean you'll get sick. You must spread the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth in order to get sick.
Learn more about what can cause a cold "
Certain conditions increase your risk for catching a cold. These include:

Time of year: Colds can occur any time of year, but they're more common in the fall and winter.

Age: Children under age 6 are more likely to develop colds. Their risk is even higher if they are in day care or a child care setting with other kids.

Environment: If you're around a lot of people, such as on a plane or at a concert, you're more likely to encounter rhinoviruses.

Compromised immune system: If you have a chronic illness or have been sick recently, you may be more likely to pick up a cold virus.

Smoking: People who smoke have an increased risk for catching a cold. Their colds also tend to be more severe when they have them.
Learn more about the risk factors for a cold "

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Common Cold: Symptoms, Remedies, Treatment, and More

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What's the difference between a cold and the flu? The common cold and the flu may seem very similar at first. They are indeed both respiratory illnesses and can cause similar symptoms. However, different viruses cause these two conditions, and your symptoms will gradually help you differentiate between the two.

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Viral infections measles , mumps , rubella

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Viral infections measles , mumps , rubella

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CJD/BSE treatments and symptoms in humans

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CJD/BSE treatments and symptoms in humans

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Humans cannot get mad cow disease, but they can get a variant of the disease if they eat food contaminated with the diseased tissue of sick cattle.

Mad cow disease is the common name for a disease affecting cattle that slowly destroys the brain and spinal cord.

The human form, called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), is a rare and fatal degenerative disorder that destroys the brain and spinal cord over time.

Keep reading to learn more about mad cow disease in humans, including the transmission and symptoms, as well as when to see a doctor.

Humans cannot get the same form of mad cow disease as cattle.

Mad cow disease, known medically as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), is a progressive neurological disorder in cattle. The disease gets worse over time, slowly eating away at the brain and spinal cord.

The exact cause is still unclear, though according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most scientists believe that BSE results from an abnormal change in specific proteins called prions within the brain and nervous tissue of cattle.

Cattle get the disease by eating animal feed that includes the remains of infected cattle. Humans cannot get this form of the disease. However, people can get a human variant of the disease, called vCJD.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that there is strong evidence to link vCJD and mad cow disease. The evidence suggests that similar to BSE in cows, vCJD comes from eating food contaminated with the brain or spinal cord tissue of sick cattle.

Other possible causes are outliers, such as a 2020 case featuring in the New England Journal of Medicine of a technician who contracted the disease after cutting their thumb while handling diseased brain tissue.

vCJD is just one type of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Other forms of the disease may occur that have no connection to mad cow disease.

The three other types of CVD are:

Hereditary CJD: This type occurs in people who have a family history of the disease or a genetic mutation associated with CJD.

Acquired CJD: The acquired form transmits via exposure to brain or nerve tissue, generally during medical procedures.

Sporadic CJD: This type appears when a person has no known risk factors.

These forms of CJD usually appear later in life and have a very fast disease course. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) note that the onset of symptoms typically occurs around the age of 60 years and that about 70% of people die within 1 year.

vCJD follows a specific pattern that these other forms do not. The onset of the variant form of the disease tends to occur at a younger age, with the symptoms lasting longer than those of other forms of CJD.

The note that neither BSE in cows nor vCJD in humans is commonly contagious. It is not possible for vCJD to transmit to others through everyday forms of contact, such as through breathable vapors, bodily fluids, or sexual contact.

Additionally, people cannot get the disease from drinking milk or eating dairy products. The only common way for both humans and cows to contract the disease is to eat food containing contaminated tissue from cows that have the disease.

The disease also has an incubation period, so the person is unlikely to feel sick immediately after consuming the contaminated food. It may take for the disease to cause noticeable symptoms.

vCJD is a degenerative disease, meaning that it gets worse over time. The disease damages brain tissue, leading to symptoms such as:

psychiatric problems

psychotic episodes

nerve issues, such as stinging, burning, or electric shock sensations in the extremities and face

muscle jerks

poor coordination

problems with vision

dementia

difficulty moving parts of the body

inability to walk

coma

vCJD is a fatal condition. As the disease affects more and more brain tissue, the symptoms will get worse over time before the person dies. According to the FDA, of the who had contracted vCJD worldwide by 2019, none survived.

There is no known cure for vCJD. Instead, treatment focuses on supporting the person and easing other symptoms they may feel as the disease progresses. For example, doctors may provide walking devices, drugs to ease pain, or other supportive care for the person.

vCJD is extremely rare. The NINDS note that about 1 in 1 million people receive a diagnosis of any form of CJD each year, and vCJD is even more rare.

In most cases, another underlying condition is likely causing similar symptoms. However, it is still important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible.

Anyone experiencing troubling symptoms, such as tingling or stinging sensations in their arms, legs, or face, should see a doctor. Many nerve-related conditions could cause these symptoms, and a prompt diagnosis may help give the person a better outlook.

Government agencies, such as the FDA and CDC, have taken steps in recent years to help prevent all forms of mad cow disease. The note that since 1997, there has been a ban on feeding most parts of cows and other animals to cattle to help reduce the risk of BSE spreading. Additionally, it is no longer permitted to use high risk parts of the cow's body to make other animal feed, such as dog or cat food.

These regulations help ensure that any food that a person comes into contact with is free from the abnormal proteins that may cause the disease.

The also work with state health departments to monitor and test for abnormal proteins in dead cows and investigate reports from healthcare personnel if they suspect a case of vCJD. This monitoring helps ensure that they identify and reduce the likelihood of outbreaks.

Mad cow disease occurs when cattle consume damaged proteins in the brain or spinal tissue of other cattle in their feed.

A variant of this disease, called vCJD, may occur in humans who eat meat contaminated with proteins from the brain or spinal tissue of a sick cow.

Government programs and regulations have now banned the practices that could potentially allow contaminated proteins to enter the food supply in both humans and animals.

There is no known treatment for the equivalent of mad cow disease in humans. The disease progressively gets worse and is eventually fatal after several years.

Anyone noticing any of the symptoms of vCJD should see a doctor. Although various other issues may cause similar symptoms, a quick diagnosis is important in any case.

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Mad cow disease in humans: Transmission, prevention, symptoms, and more

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Humans cannot get mad cow disease, but they can get a variant of the disease if they eat food contaminated with the diseased tissue of sick cattle. Mad cow disease is the common name for a disease affecting cattle that slowly destroys the brain and spinal cord.

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WebMD corrects some of the misconceptions about mad cow disease and its risk to humans.

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Symptoms and management of sleeping sickness

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Symptoms and management of sleeping sickness

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Sleeping Sickness - an introduction to African Trypanosomiasis

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What is Malaria, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

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An opportunistic infection is an infection caused by pathogens ( bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses) that take advantage of an opportunity not normally available. These opportunities can stem from a variety of sources, such as a weakened immune system (as can occur in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or when being treated with immunosuppressive drugs, as in cancer treatment), an altered microbiome (such as a disruption in gut microbiota), or breached integumentary barriers (as in penetrating trauma). Many of these pathogens do not cause disease in a healthy host that has a non-compromised immune system, and can, in some cases, act as commensals until the balance of the immune system is disrupted. Opportunistic infections can also be attributed to pathogens that cause mild illness in healthy individuals but lead to more serious illness when given the opportunity to take advantage of an immunocompromised host.

A wide variety of pathogens are involved in opportunistic infection and can cause a similarly wide range in pathologies. A partial list of opportunistic pathogens and their associated presentations includes:

Clostridioides difficile (formerly known as Clostridium difficile) is a species of bacteria that is known to cause gastrointestinal infection and is typically associated with the hospital setting.

Legionella pneumophila is a bacterium that causes Legionnaire's disease, a respiratory infection.

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a group of two bacteria, M. avium and M. intracellulare, that typically co-infect, leading to a lung infection called mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection.

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium known to cause skin infections and sepsis, among other pathologies. Notably, S. aureus has evolved several drug-resistant strains, including MRSA.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes respiratory infections.

Streptococcus pyogenes (also known as group A Streptococcus) is a bacterium that can cause a variety of pathologies, including impetigo and strep throat, as well as other, more serious, illnesses.

Cytomegalovirus is a family of opportunistic viruses, most frequently associated with respiratory infection.

Immunodeficiency or immunosuppression are characterized by the absence of or disruption in components of the immune system, leading to lower-than-normal levels of immune function and immunity against pathogens. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

The lack of or the disruption of normal vaginal microbiota allows the proliferation of opportunistic microorganisms and will cause the opportunistic infection - bacterial vaginosis.

Opportunistic Infection and HIV/AIDS

HIV is a virus that targets T cells of the immune system and, as a result, HIV infection can lead to progressively worsening immunodeficiency, a condition ideal for the development of opportunistic infection. Because of this, respiratory and central nervous system opportunistic infections, including tuberculosis and meningitis, respectively, are associated with later-stage HIV infection, as are numerous other infectious pathologies. Kaposi's sarcoma, a virally-associated cancer, has higher incidence rates in HIV-positive patients than in the general population. As immune function declines and HIV-infection progresses to AIDS, individuals are at an increased risk of opportunistic infections that their immune systems are no longer capable of responding properly to. Because of this, opportunistic infections are a leading cause of HIV/AIDS-related deaths.

Since opportunistic infections can cause severe disease, much emphasis is placed on measures to prevent infection. Such a strategy usually includes restoration of the immune system as soon as possible, avoiding exposures to infectious agents, and using antimicrobial medications ("prophylactic medications") directed against specific infections.

In patients with HIV, starting antiretroviral therapy is especially important for restoration of the immune system and reducing the incidence rate of opportunistic infections

In patients undergoing chemotherapy, completion of and recovery from treatment is the primary method for immune system restoration. In a select subset of high risk patients, granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSF) can be used to aid immune system recovery.

The following may be avoided as a preventative measure to reduce risk of infection:

Individuals at higher risk are often prescribed prophylactic medication to prevent an infection from occurring. A patient's risk level for developing an opportunistic infection is approximated using the patient's CD4 T-cell count and sometimes other markers of susceptibility. Common prophylaxis treatments include the following:

Treatment depends on the type of opportunistic infection, but usually involves different antibiotics.

Opportunistic infections caused by feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus retroviral infections can be treated with lymphocyte T-cell immunomodulator.

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An opportunistic infection is an infection caused by pathogens ( bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses) that take advantage of an opportunity not normally available. These opportunities can stem from a variety of sources, such as a weakened immune system (as can occur in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or when being treated with immunosuppressive drugs, as in cancer treatment), an altered microbiome (such as a disruption in gut microbiota), or breached integumentary barriers (as in penetrating trauma).

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Bacterial infections are common, and their effects vary. There are a number of different bacteria that can cause illness, and you can become exposed to them in a variety of ways.

Bacteria are small organisms that can invade the body, causing illness. These infections usually trigger a protective immune response. You also have innate bacteria in your body that helps digest your food and protect your body from harmful bacteria.

Children and adults of any age can develop a bacterial infection. Bacteria can infect any area of the body, including the skin, bladder, lungs, intestines, brain, and more. A bacterial infection can also spread throughout the blood, causing a condition described as sepsis.

You can experience generalized symptoms, such as fevers, chills, and fatigue as a result of a bacterial infection anywhere in the body.

Localized Symptoms

In addition to generalized symptoms, you can experience local effects of a bacterial infection, which correspond to the affected area or areas of the body. Pain, swelling, redness, and organ dysfunction are common localized symptoms.

Pain is common with bacterial infections, and you can have skin pain with a bacterial skin infection, pain when breathing with a lung infection, and abdominal pain with an intestinal infection.

You can easily identify redness or swelling on visible parts of the body, such as the skin, throat, or ears. Often, internal organs also become red and swollen when you have a bacterial infection, and while you can't see it, you may feel pain or other effects in these areas.﻿﻿ For example, you may develop a productive cough, sometimes with thick mucus, with a bacterial infection of your respiratory tract (throat, bronchi, or lungs).

And bacterial infections often cause diminished or altered function of the infected regions of the body. You may have impaired concentration with meningitis (an infection surrounding the brain) or decreased kidney function with pyelonephritis (a kidney infection).

Different bacterial infections have a characteristic disease course. The symptoms can begin immediately or after a delay due to an incubation period.﻿﻿ And the symptoms can worsen rapidly or may progress slowly.

Bacterial infections are caused by the transmission of bacteria. You can be exposed to bacteria from other people, through the environment, or from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

Anyone can become sick when exposed to bacteria, but having a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medication can make you more susceptible to developing a severe bacterial infection-even from the bacteria that are normally innate to your body.﻿﻿

Types of Bacterial Infections

The severity of bacterial infections depends largely on the type of bacteria involved. Bacterial infections can range from minor illnesses such as strep throat and ear infections to more life-threatening conditions like meningitis and encephalitis.

Some of the most common bacterial infections include:

Salmonella is a type of infection often described as food poisoning. It causes severe stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Salmonella is caused by a non-typhoidal salmonellae bacteria found in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, and the most recognized method of infection is through undercooked poultry.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes gastrointestinal (GI) distress. The infection usually resolves on its own, but it can be severe or even fatal. E. Coli bacteria is commonly spread through contaminated food, including uncooked vegetables.

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It most commonly causes a lung infection, and it rarely affects the brain.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can be deadly, particularly in people who have compromised immune systems.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a bacteria normally found in the intestine. It can cause GI illness when it overgrows due to antibiotic use or an impaired immune system.

Bacterial pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by an array of different bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae,Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and others. These infections are typically spread through air particles from coughing or sneezing.

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina which can cause itchiness, discharge, and painful urination. It is caused by an imbalance in the normal bacterial flora of the vagina.

Heliobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria associated with stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis. The environment of the GI system can change due to reflux, acidity, and smoking, which predisposes to this bacterial infection.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Vibrio vulnificus is a rare, "flesh-eating" bacteria that can be found in warm seawater.

Your bacterial infection can usually be diagnosed based on the pattern of your symptoms. The location, timing, and severity of your symptoms may be very characteristic of a certain bacterial infection.

Your medical team may also want to verify your diagnosis before prescribing an antibiotic (antibacterial medication). This can be done with a fluid sample that is sent to a laboratory for examination.

A swab from your throat or ear can be sent for an evaluation. Infected areas of skin can also be swabbed, or pus can be examined. Similarly, sexually transmitted infections can be identified with a fluid sample from the affected area.

A urine sample can identify bacterial infections of the bladder and kidneys. In some situations, a fecal sample may be helpful in identifying a bacterial cause of persistent gastrointestinal (GI) upset.

Blood Tests

Sometimes, blood tests can be used to identify infectious bacteria. Often, with a bacterial infection, you may have an elevated number of white blood cells (WBCs), which can be detected on a complete blood count (CBC).

Your medical team may send a CBC with differential to see whether certain types of WBCs have increased in your blood.﻿﻿ A number of different types of WBCs work together to help defend you from infections. Different infections induce the increase of different types of WBCs, and this pattern can help your medical team identify which infection you have.

Imaging Studies

If there is a concern that you could have a bacterial abscess (an enclosed, puss filled area) in or near your internal organs, you may need an imaging study to help identify it.

Bacteria and Other Infectious Organisms

There are other infectious organisms besides bacteria. Viruses, parasites, protozoa, fungi, worms, and prions (infectious protein particles) can all cause infections.﻿﻿

Viruses are 10 to 100 times smaller than bacteria, while parasites, protozoa, and fungi are larger than bacteria. These organisms all look different under a microscope and behave differently in the body. For example, parasites often have a complicated life cycle, in which the eggs enter the body and hatch, giving rise to infectious wormlike organisms that invade human tissue. Fungi are often long-lasting, slow-growing infections.

Often, bacterial infections resolve quickly, even without treatment. However, many bacterial infections need to be treated with prescription antibiotics.﻿﻿ You may also need supportive care for effects such as fever, pain, swelling, coughing, or dehydration.

Untreated bacterial infections can spread or linger, causing major health problems. While it is rare, untreated bacterial infections may even be life-threatening.

Antibiotics

Antibiotic selection is based on the type of bacteria involved. Most antibiotics work against more than one type of bacteria, not against all of them.

There are different ways that you can take antibiotics. They are available to take by mouth, topically (superficially, on the skin or eye), and intravenously (IV).

If you are using a prescription antibiotic, be sure to use it as directed. For example, do not use a skin antibiotic on your eyes. And it is important to take your medication for the complete duration of your prescribed therapy.

Supportive Care

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling from your bacterial infection. If you have a fever, your doctor may also recommend medication to lower your fever. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) often reduce fevers, swelling, and pain.

If you have a painful cough, your doctor may recommend anti-cough medication. And you may need IV fluids if you are becoming dehydrated.

If you have an abscess, you may need to have it surgically treated. This can be a simple procedure for a superficial abscess in the skin. An abscess located deep in the body, such as in the intestines or in the brain, may require removal with surgical intervention.

A Word From Verywell

You are likely to have a few bacterial infections throughout your life. These infections can cause a wide range of symptoms and effects. Some can worsen and cause severe illness.

Your doctor can diagnose a bacterial infection based on a number of clinical features, as well as diagnostic testing. Sometimes, these infections require prescription medications. It is never a good idea to use an antibiotic "just in case" you have a bacterial infection or to reuse an old prescription-your infection could get worse if you use the wrong medication, or you could develop bacterial resistance if you use the medication unnecessarily.

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Bacterial infections are common, and their effects vary. There are a number of different bacteria that can cause illness, and you can become exposed to them in a variety of ways. Bacteria are small organisms that can invade the body, causing illness. These infections usually trigger a protective immune response.

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nfectious respiratory diseases spread when a healthy person comes in contact with virus particles expelled by someone who is sick - usually through a cough or sneeze. The amount of particles a person is exposed to can affect how likely they are to become infected and, once infected, how severe the symptoms become.

The amount of virus necessary to make a person sick is called the infectious dose. Viruses with low infectious doses are especially contagious in populations without significant immunity.

The minimum infectious dose of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, is unknown so far, but researchers suspect it is low. "The virus is spread through very, very casual interpersonal contact," W. David Hardy, a professor of infectious disease at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told STAT.

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A high infectious dose may lead to a higher viral load, which can impact the severity of Covid-19 symptoms.

Viral load is a measure of virus particles. It is the amount of virus present once a person has been infected and the virus has had time to replicate in their cells. With most viruses, higher viral loads are associated with worse outcomes.

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"The more viral particles that get into the lungs, the more damage to the lungs that is probably happening," said Hardy.

One study of Covid-19 patients in China found that those with more severe symptoms tended to have higher viral loads.

"It's not proven, but it would make sense that higher inoculating doses will lead to higher viral loads, and higher viral loads would translate into more pathogenic clinical courses," said Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

People with higher viral loads may also shed more whole viruses, which makes them more contagious, compounding the danger of spreading disease more widely.

If exposure to higher doses, or even frequent low doses, of SARS-CoV-2 does lead to worse health outcomes, there are significant implications for health care workers who are routinely exposed to Covid-19 patients.

"Someone caring for large numbers of patients on the wards, if they're not wearing PPE [personal protective equipment], there might be a high frequency of exposure as well as a high dose of exposure," Barouch said.

In Italy, a country particularly hard-hit by the virus, about 9% of reported were health care workers. Here in the U.S., 10% of Covid-19 cases in California were health care workers, according to the California Department of Public Health.

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How much of the coronavirus does it take to make you sick? - STAT

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nfectious respiratory diseases spread when a healthy person comes in contact with virus particles expelled by someone who is sick - usually through a cough or sneeze. The amount of particles a person is exposed to can affect how likely they are to become infected and, once infected, how severe the symptoms become.

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How much or covid-19 do I need in my body to feel sick?

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nfectious respiratory diseases spread when a healthy person comes in contact with virus particles expelled by someone who is sick - usually through a cough or sneeze. The amount of particles a person is exposed to can affect how likely they are to become infected and, once infected, how severe the symptoms become.

The amount of virus necessary to make a person sick is called the infectious dose. Viruses with low infectious doses are especially contagious in populations without significant immunity.

The minimum infectious dose of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, is unknown so far, but researchers suspect it is low. "The virus is spread through very, very casual interpersonal contact," W. David Hardy, a professor of infectious disease at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told STAT.

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A high infectious dose may lead to a higher viral load, which can impact the severity of Covid-19 symptoms.

Viral load is a measure of virus particles. It is the amount of virus present once a person has been infected and the virus has had time to replicate in their cells. With most viruses, higher viral loads are associated with worse outcomes.

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"The more viral particles that get into the lungs, the more damage to the lungs that is probably happening," said Hardy.

One study of Covid-19 patients in China found that those with more severe symptoms tended to have higher viral loads.

"It's not proven, but it would make sense that higher inoculating doses will lead to higher viral loads, and higher viral loads would translate into more pathogenic clinical courses," said Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

People with higher viral loads may also shed more whole viruses, which makes them more contagious, compounding the danger of spreading disease more widely.

If exposure to higher doses, or even frequent low doses, of SARS-CoV-2 does lead to worse health outcomes, there are significant implications for health care workers who are routinely exposed to Covid-19 patients.

"Someone caring for large numbers of patients on the wards, if they're not wearing PPE [personal protective equipment], there might be a high frequency of exposure as well as a high dose of exposure," Barouch said.

In Italy, a country particularly hard-hit by the virus, about 9% of reported were health care workers. Here in the U.S., 10% of Covid-19 cases in California were health care workers, according to the California Department of Public Health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How much of the coronavirus does it take to make you sick? - STAT

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
nfectious respiratory diseases spread when a healthy person comes in contact with virus particles expelled by someone who is sick - usually through a cough or sneeze. The amount of particles a person is exposed to can affect how likely they are to become infected and, once infected, how severe the symptoms become.

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What is meant by agents of infections?

Identify diseases caused by each of agents of infection

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Lesson 5 : Differentiate between the different types of infections

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Lesson 5 : Differentiate between the different types of infections

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•5.1 Explain what is meant by infective dose and infective site/route in microbiology

•5.2 Identify the sites in the human body that most commonly suffer infections including the large bowel, nose, skin and wounds

•5.3 Explain what is meant by opportunistic infections and give two examples from the human body

•5.4 Explain what is meant by carriers of an infectious disease and give two examples from the human body

•5.5 Describe the different types of viral infections as lytic or lysogenic

•5.6 Differentiate between the symptoms and management of various viral infections including colds, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, HIV/ AIDS, hepatitis and herpes

•5.7 Differentiate between the symptoms and management of various bacterial infections including tuberculosis; salmonella food poisoning, streptococcal sore throat and cholera

•5.8 Differentiate between the symptoms and management of various fungal infections including candidiasis and tineal infections

•5.9 Differentiate between the symptoms and management of various protozoan infections including malaria, sleeping sickness and trichomoniasis

• 5.10 Differentiate between the symptoms and management of various prion infections including Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and Creitzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)