Fever and Infections
Although it varies throughout the day, many people believe that the body’s normal temperature is about 98.6° F, and that fever (when the temperature climbs higher) is the body’s normal reaction to inflammation or infection. Although this is usually the case, many other conditions such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, and heart attack, may cause a low-grade fever (99 to 100° F). If you develop a fever that persists that does not seem to be caused by an infection, see a doctor to investigate other causes.
An infection caused by a virus is commonly referred to as a “cold” or “flu.” When a common virus infects the body, symptoms typically last from three or four days to two weeks, and may include the following: headache, cough, abdominal pain, rash, diarrhea, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, earache, sinus pressure, and/or runny nose. A virus does not respond to antibiotics and is treated with medications aimed to lessen symptoms. That is, a runny nose is treated with a decongestant, a cough with dextromethorphan, a headache with acetominophen, diarrhea with Immodium D, sore throat with salt water gargle, etc. You can’t do much to kill the virus; you must simply wait for your body to expel the unwanted intruder.
On the other hand, a fever may be caused by a bacterial illness. Bacterial infections can be much more severe, as bacteria can cause organ damage or other serious complications.
Bacterial Infections
On the other hand, a fever may be caused by a bacterial illness. Bacterial infections can be much more severe as bacteria can cause organ damage or other severe complications. Common bacterial infections can be related to the following conditions:
- Otitis Media (bacterial inner ear infection)
- Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye (bacterial infection of the superficial eye)
- Sinusitis (bacterial sinus infection)
- Strep throat or pharyngitis (bacterial throat infection)
- Cellulitis (bacterial skin infection)
- Septic Arthritis (bacterial joint infection)
- Pneumonia (bacterial lung infection)
- Acute Bronchitis (bacterial infection of the lung passageways)
- Acute Cholecystitis (bacterial infection of the gall bladder)
- Intra-abdominal Abscess (bacterial collection located in the abdominal cavity)
- Abscess general (bacterial collection located anywhere in the body under the skin)
- Pyelonephritis (bacterial infection of the kidney)
- Urinary Tract Infection (bacterial bladder infection)
- Urethritis (bacterial infection of the urethra)
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (bacterial infection of the female reproductive organs)
Bacterial Illness or Simple Cold or Flu?
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether your condition is bacterial or viral, but doctors use certain guidelines when diagnosing. Although the patient can experience generalized, whole-body effects with either a bacteria or a virus—nausea, chills, vomiting, body aches, and fever—a virus typically causes symptoms that involve many organs at the same time, while a bacteria causes more localized symptoms.
For instance, if you suspect sinusitis and you also have an earache and a sore throat, then it is likely that a virus is causing your symptoms. A cough with head congestion and a runny nose is also likely to be a virus or allergy, not bacteria. On the other hand, a virus can weaken your immune system so much, it can turn into a bacterial infection, making things a little confusing. This often happens in young children, who may have general cold and flu symptoms for three to four days, followed by a more localized bacterial infection such as an ear infection or pneumonia.
If you have concerns about whether or not a bacteria is the cause of your illness, always seek medical attention. This is especially true when dealing with small children, elderly persons, or those with chronic medical conditions.
