Bacteria vs. Virus
Have you ever wondered why you take your child to the doctors only to leave frustrated that the Provider did not give your child any medication to get better. Instead they said your child has a virus and to treat the symptoms.
So let’s take a look at why providers do not give treatment for a virus. There are a few symptoms that both a bacterial infection and a virus have in common. They are things such as chills and fevers.
Now let’s look at a Virus. A Virus can attack many parts of the body and have many symptoms, such as runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and body aches. The treatment for a virus is to treat the symptoms. Take Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for fever. Over the counter medications should be used for the cough, runny nose, and saline water for the nasal congestion. A VIRUS WILL NOT RESPOND TO ANTIBIOTICS. This is the reason that providers do not prescribe antibiotics for a VIRUS. If your child has a virus you must treat the symptoms, increase your child’s fluid intake to prevent dehydration and get adequate rest.
If you child has a bacterial infections it will be treated with antibiotics. Bacterial infections normally, only affect one part of the body, such as an ear infection, strep throat or a urinary infection. These infections are treatable with antibiotics.
Both a virus and a bacterial infection will take about the same amount of time to resolve. Normally 7-14 days. Even if your child is looking and feeling better if you have been prescribed antibiotics PLEASE TAKE THE ENTIRE COURSE TO PREVENT MEDICATION RESISTANCE.
If your child is sick with any of these symptoms feel free to visit one of our locations and we will be happy to assist you in making your child feel better. But, please remember if we say it is viruses don’t get upset that we are not giving you antibiotics we are doing what is best for your child’s health.
TINA L. VAN DOREN ARNP, CPNP-PC, MSN
