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A viral or bacterial infection occurs when a virus or bacteria attacks a certain part of your body. The common cold, strep throat, and stomach flu are all infections caused by either a virus or bacteria. Usually, our bodies can fight off infections. Occasionally, viral and bacterial infections can cause painful symptoms and life-threatening complications.
Emergency services at Dignity Health Southern California offer quality diagnosis and treatment for viral and bacterial infections at our convenient locations in Glendale, Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, and in Inland Empire cities San Bernardino, Fontana, and Highland.
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the infection and what part of the body is affected.
Some viral and bacterial infections share the same symptoms, such as:
Always seek emergency care for the following viral and bacterial infection symptoms:
As part of our comprehensive emergency services, we can run blood tests to identify the cause of the infection and provide specialized care.
Bacteria and viruses live on objects we touch daily. They can survive in contaminated water or be transmitted through insects. You can get an infection from close contact with an infected person or through an insect bite.
For bacterial infections, your plan of care may include antibiotics. Antibiotics aren’t useful for viruses, so your doctor may suggest rest, fluid, and over-the-counter medicine. If you have a high risk for serious complications, your doctor may recommend antiviral medication.
When a viral or bacterial infection causes you pain or other severe symptoms, visit one of our emergency departments in Southern California.
Dignity Health provides emergency care for viral and bacterial infections in Southern California.
