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Virus Vs. Bacteria Symptoms

Viral and bacterial infections both cause illness, however, most virus and bacteria symptoms differ. Those differences help people identify the cause of their sickness and seek proper treatment. Each requires different treatment options. An incorrect treatment can be harmful and patients can become more susceptible to future viruses and bacterial infections.

  1. Multiple Symptoms of Viruses

    • One difference between virus and bacteria symptoms is that viral infections attack more than one area of the body. Therefore, people may experience multiple symptoms, such as a runny nose, sinus congestion, cough, sore throat and body aches. Another red flag of a virus is that the pain often burns or itches. The Minnesota Antibiotic Resistance Collaborative (MARC) says that the reason for the multiple symptoms is because each virus has its own genetic material and attaches to many of the body's cells.

    Centralization of Bacterial Infections

    • The U.S. National Library of Medicines says that bacteria symptoms are usually confined to one area of the body because they are one-celled organisms. The area affected by a bacterial infection produces such symptoms as redness, swelling and pain. For example, a person who has a throat or ear infection will only feel pain in the infected area.

    Similar Symptoms

    • A virus or bacteria sometimes do share similar symptoms, including fever, chills and inflammation. MARC says these symptoms of viral and bacterial infections occur because the body is trying to fight off the infections.

    Treatment Options for Virus Symptoms

    • Because virus and bacteria symptoms differ in the way they affect the body, treatment options differ for each. MARC says that viral infections cannot be treated by antibiotics, nor will antibiotics prevent these infections from spreading to other areas. This occurs because viruses have their own genetic material, which can replicate under the right internal conditions and produce antibiotic-resistant infections. The only treatment for virus symptoms is rest, lots of fluids, and over-the-counter or prescription medications that fight specific symptoms.

    Bacterial Infection Treatments

    • Bacteria symptoms respond well to antibiotic medications. Because bacteria are one-celled organisms and attack specific areas of the body, it is easy for the antibiotics to attach to the cells and kill the bacteria. However, the U.S. Library of Medicines says that prolonged use of antibiotics helps the body learn how to resist those treatments. To reduce that chance, doctors recommend following instructions carefully and finishing the prescription, even if symptoms go away after a few days.

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