What Does an Infection Feel Like?

January 2, 2023

There seems to be so many different ways we can get sick! With all of the possible illnesses circulating around at this time of year, chances are you have come into contact with at least a few different viruses or bacteria.

If you come down with an infection, it is important to receive a diagnosis so you can treat it properly. Since viral and bacterial infections require different treatments, knowing what you have can speed up the healing process.

The team at AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte explains all about infections below, so read on!

What Is an Infection?

Infections come from microbes or germs that settle into your body and multiply. As the infection grows, it causes a reaction in your body. This reaction is what leads to the symptoms you experience! Classic symptoms of an infection are a fever, headache and sore throat.

Infections can either be bacterial or viral. Bacterial infections like strep throat and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and we see them come through our clinic often. At this time of year, viral infections like the common cold and influenza are running rampant and can make you feel really sick.

4 Ways Infections Spread

Coughing
Sneezing
Contact with contaminated surfaces
Long-term contact with infected people

Can I Take Antibiotics for My Infection?

The answer is sometimes! Antibiotics work effectively against bacterial infections, but this is not the case for viral ones. Because of this, a proper diagnosis is important. Taking antibiotics for a viral infection will not help you and can actually contribute to antibiotic resistance. We can help determine what illness you have and develop a treatment plan together.

For viral infections, rest, hydration and OTC medication for symptom management is often the best course of treatment. Most bacterial infections resolve quickly once antibiotics are taken or your body overcomes the illness. Just be sure to take your entire antibiotic prescription!