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Bacterial and viral infections are infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. Bacteria are microorganisms that live and multiply on their own. Viruses are also microorganisms, but they need a living host — animal, plant, or human — to survive and multiply.
Use the Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican online waiting service, InQuicker, to select your estimated arrival time at the emergency room for infections in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.
Bacterial and viral infections spread in four main ways:
Symptoms of infectious diseases depend on the specific type of infection. In many cases, the symptoms of viral and bacterial infections are very similar. Testing, such as a throat swab, is often necessary to tell which is causing the infection.
Common symptoms of infectious diseases include:
Not sure when to go to the emergency room for infections? Seek urgent or emergency medical care for:
Treatment strategies for infections depend on whether it is a bacterial or viral infection. Washing your hands regularly is the most effective thing you can do to prevent infections.
Antibiotics are the main treatment for bacterial infections. If you have a prescription, be sure to finish the entire course unless your doctor tells you otherwise, even once you start to feel better. This helps prevent antibacterial resistance — when bacteria figure out how to overcome the antibiotic. Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are very difficult to treat — and can be fatal.
Antibiotics do not work on viruses because of the way they live and grow. For some viruses, antiviral medicines are effective. For others, supportive measures are the main treatment. This includes fluids, rest, and over-the-counter medicines to treat symptoms.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican offers emergency services, including treatment for infections, in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.