A member asked:

Is there any way for me to figure out if i likely have a virus or a bacterial infection?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Susumu Inoue answered

Specializes in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Unfortunately No: For many infections either by bacteria or by viruses, one can take blood, or body fluid (such as sputum, urine) or tissue (such as a biopsy), and culture them in the lab, or use a test to show us any evidence of a particular bacteria or virus. But all these tests are done in a lab. You cannot usually tell if a given infection is caused by which, though a viral infection is usually self-limiting.

Answered 5/19/2013

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