Do I Have a Bacterial Infection? This seems like common sense—a bacterial infection is an infection caused by a bacteria. If you’re diagnosed with a bacterial infection, an antibiotic is often an effective treatment method.
Bacterial Infections
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Bacterial meningitis
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
- Heliobacter pylori (H. pylori)
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Salmonella
- Tuberculosis
Can I Take an Antibiotic for My Infection?
That depends on whether your infection is viral or bacterial. If you’re diagnosed with a bacterial infection, you may be prescribed an antibiotic. Antibiotics, though, aren’t an appropriate treatment for a viral infection. They can actually cause more harm than good when you have a virus. But there are other steps you can take to get back to better health.Treatments Other Than an Antibiotic
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Consider taking over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Gargle warm salt water if you are suffering from a sore throat.
- Try to get plenty of rest.
- Use a humidifier if you are experiencing congestion.