Question 1

what are the signs when you get a viral throat infection?

Accepted Answer

Pharyngitis: A viral or bacterial sore throat are often indistinguishable.  Redness, pain on swallowing, 'plaques' or white patched on the tonsils or back of the throat, fever, fatigue.  To test thedifference we do throat cultures or screens because rheumatic fever may be the result of an undiagnosed throat bacterial  infection and dosing the patient with peniciillin prevents these.

Question 2

how to differentiate between a viral throat infection and a bacterial one?

Accepted Answer

Hard to distinguish: clinically, except to note that most are viral - especially

Question 3

can you get a bacterial infection in your throat that's not from strep?

Accepted Answer

Yes -plenty of germs: Doctors can test for Group A Strep -which is only one specific germ that can cause a throat infection (or pharyngitis if you want to be technical). Different viruses are also implicated (like mono, adenovirus, etc) but certainly other bacteria are on the list. Pertussis (Whooping cough) and diphtheria are two important ones. Then there are other Strep species, 'mixed' infections like abscesses etc

Question 4

why do i develop a cough when i'm starting to get better?

even when if don't cough during the worst of it; i've noticed when i'm at the stage of overcoming a viral infection, my throat ticked and i start coughing.

just wondering why that is?

Accepted Answer

Uncertain: Possibly some post nasal drip in the recovery period?

Question 5

i have throat pain so gargles with warm water is recommended or not unless i get to know it's bacterial or virul infection ?

Accepted Answer

Gargles with warm: salt water would soothe viral or bacterial sore throat,but with bacterial you need antibiotic. See your Dr if sore throat persists..

Question 6

how long does it typically take to get over a viral infection that causes a sore throat?

Accepted Answer

Depends: A viral URI can last from 3-12 days, depending upon the organism and your state of health.  Some may develop a delayed coughing interval as the sore throat heals.  The common cold is so named because it is common - hopefully that is all you have had to deal with.

Question 7

is it usual to get a purple rash, under the skin of the face when having a viral infection in the throat?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Many viral infections accompanied by rash , fever and sore throat.

Question 8

is it usual to get a purple/red rash under the skin of the face when having a viral infection in the throat? he doesn't seem unwell or have a cough.

Accepted Answer

Viral exanthem: There are viruses and bacterial infections which can cause rashes on the face or body. See you pediatrician and they will sort this out for you. Good luck and feel better.

Question 9

how does one tell if an ear infection is viral or bacterial?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes difficult: Your doctor has to gauge according to the history you provide, what the ear drum looks like, and whether the eardrum moves or not.  If there's no fever, mild or no pain, the ear drum moves, and the patient has cold symptoms it's usually viral and antibiotics are inappropriate.  If there's fever, pain, lack of movement of a very red eardrum, it's likely bacterial.

Question 10

is it oversimplification to say sinus infection are either viral or bacterial? can they be both? like existing minor bacterial get worse w virus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, can be both ; m: Sinuse infection can be triggered enviromental allergy and inflammmation, when cold weather come, our immune system do not work as good, give virus, bacterial or even fungus more chance to cause infection in upper airway, the best way to prevent is to strengthen immune system, hand washing, eat healthy, drink plenty of water, vitamine c rich food or supplement may help to our defense.

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Doctor answers about:

How does one get a viral or bacterial infectionn in throat

A member asked:

What are the signs when you get a viral throat infection?

A member asked:

How to differentiate between a viral throat infection and a bacterial one?

A member asked:

Can you get a bacterial infection in your throat that's not from strep?

A member asked:

Why do i develop a cough when i'm starting to get better? even when if don't cough during the worst of it; i've noticed when i'm at the stage of overcoming a viral infection, my throat ticked and i start coughing. just wondering why that is?

A member asked:

I have throat pain so gargles with warm water is recommended or not unless i get to know it's bacterial or virul infection ?

A member asked:

How long does it typically take to get over a viral infection that causes a sore throat?

A member asked:

Is it usual to get a purple rash, under the skin of the face when having a viral infection in the throat?

A member asked:

Is it usual to get a purple/red rash under the skin of the face when having a viral infection in the throat? he doesn't seem unwell or have a cough.

A member asked:

How does one tell if an ear infection is viral or bacterial?

A member asked:

Is it oversimplification to say sinus infection are either viral or bacterial? can they be both? like existing minor bacterial get worse w virus?

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