Find Care for Viral & Bacterial Infections in Arizona

Viral and bacterial infections are caused by microbes, either bacteria or viruses. Bacteria grow and spread on their own. Viruses do not live or spread by themselves. Instead, viruses require a living host — either an animal, plant, or human. Viral and bacterial infections are infectious diseases, meaning they can spread to others.

If you need treatment for a viral or bacterial infection in Arizona, Find a Doctor near you at Dignity Health.

Examples of Viral & Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections include:

• Strep throat
• Bacterial meningitis
• Lyme disease
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Whooping cough
• Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Cat scratch disease

Viral infections include:

• Common cold
• Influenza (the flu)
• Stomach flu
• Swine flu (H1N1)
• HIV
• Viral hepatitis
• Viral meningitis

Doctors at Dignity Health extend compassionate care to diagnose and treat all types of viral and bacterial infections. Meet with one of our providers for the care you need.

Viral & Bacterial Infection Symptoms

The symptoms of infectious diseases will depend on the type of infection. Since the symptoms of viruses and bacterial infections are often similar, your doctor may perform a throat swab to get an accurate diagnosis.

The most common symptoms of infectious diseases are:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

You should get urgent medical care if you have:

• Stomach pain combined with nausea and vomiting — this could be a sign of food poisoning or appendicitis
• Severe headaches, vomiting, and a stiff neck — these are symptoms of meningitis

If you are experiencing a life-threatening symptom, call 9-1-1. If you need to go the ER, use our InQuicker™ online tool to select your estimated hospital arrival time and wait at home until your time to be seen. Upon arrival and check-in, you will see a doctor who will assess your situation and determine the next appropriate level of care.

Viral & Bacterial Infection Causes

Infectious diseases spread through direct or indirect contact with a person or contaminated surface, an infected insect, or contaminated food or water.

Examples include:

• Direct contact — coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sexual contact
• Indirect contact — touching a contaminated doorknob, keyboard, or faucet
• Infected insect — a bite from a mosquito or tick
• Contaminated food or water — from unsanitary food preparation

Viral & Bacterial Infection Treatment at Dignity Health

At Dignity Health, our primary care doctors work together with emergency medical providers to offer timely care. The options for treatment are different for viral and bacterial infections.

Viral infection treatment may include antiviral medicines and supportive therapies such as fluids, rest, and over-the-counter medicines. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics because of how they live and grow.

Bacterial infection treatment often includes antibiotics. If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, it is important to take all of them as directed, in order to prevent the bacteria from resisting the antibiotic.

The best way to prevent viral and bacterial infections is to wash your hands regularly.