Book an appointment at BlueNetHOSPITALS Los Cabos easily via Whatsapp and save time.
BlueNet SPECIALITIES
Pediatrics and Neonatology

Virus vs. Bacteria?

What's got my child sick?!

Virus vs. Bacteria?

Viruses and bacterias are tiny microorganisms that, over the years have been present in all types of ecosystems. Both are so small that they cannot be seen except through a microscope. Because infections caused by viruses and bacteria share some common symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and tiredness, it can, unfortunately, create confusion.

However, they are actually very different in other fundamental aspects such as treatment as the organisms that cause them are different in structure and therefore respond differently to medication, maybe the most noticeable and important difference is that antibiotics usually kill bacteria, but are not effective against viruses.

Knowing the characteristics of each one of them will help us to learn how to take care of ourselves in order to avoid possible infections and to recognize the effects they cause on our bodies.



Bacteria:

Bacteria are microorganisms that are composed of a single cell, complex, and very diverse. There is a great variety of forms and characteristics in the structure of each one, and they can reproduce by themselves.

Bacteria can survive in different environments such as extreme heat or cold and the human body. Also, many harmless bacteria help in our body's processes to fight cancer cells, digest food, and provide essential nutrients to our body.

 

How do infections caused by bacteria spread?

Generally, bacterial infections can be transmitted from one person to another through:

-Near contact with an infected person

-Body fluids when coughing, sneezing

-Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or birth

-Consuming contaminated food or liquid

-Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands first

 

What are the most common bacterial infections?

  • Urinary Tract Infection
  • Bacterial food poisoning
  • Tuberculosis
  • Meningitis
  • Cholera
  • Diphtheria
  • Tetanus
  • Gonorrhea
  • Strep throat



Virus:

Viruses are a type of microorganism smaller than bacteria and take advantage of when the immune system is weak to attack and invade healthy cells, causing various mild and very serious infectious diseases.

Viruses require living cells to continue to multiply and grow. Many of the viruses that we contract our immune system are capable of fighting them and do not present symptoms of a disease; some others do require treatment. 

 

How do infections caused by viruses spread?

Many of the infections caused by Viruses are contagious and can be passed from person to person through:

-Near contact with a person who has a viral infection or their body fluids

-Transmission from mother to child through pregnancy or childbirth

-Infected insect bite

-Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands first



What are the most common virus infections?

  • Flu and the common cold 
  • Influenza
  • Viral gastroenteritis
  • Warts
  • Chickenpox
  • Measles
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Zika
  • Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E
  • The new Coronavirus COVID-19

 

Many of the most common infectious diseases can be caused by bacteria or viruses, and although they spread in similar ways and have similar symptoms, you now know the importance of recognizing them.

Your Pediatrician will make the appropriate diagnosis for your child so that he or she knows what's causing the disease and can prescribe the appropiate treatment.


BlueNetHospitals - Hospital Los Cabos
BlueNet Hospitals

 

  • children clinic
  • heart center