Virus vs. bacteria? Cold vs. Flu? Help!?

Question

Ok. My doc says I have got brinchitis. My nose is very congested, i have got cough and I feel tired. He made me a CVC and it turns out I had a strong infection. BUT I hear that a viral infection is not the same as a bacteria, and ANTIBIOTICS are made to fight bacteria...! HOw are you suppose to cure a viral infection???? What he gave me were ANTIBIOTICS.

Answer 1

You're right. Antibiotics are really only useful for bacterial infections, but they still should be useful for you in this case.

What happens when you get the flu/cold is that in the first instance the body is attacked by a virus. This most often causes the muscle pains/tiredness etc. that you get when you first fall ill.

Unless you have an imuno deficiency your body can usually deal with this virus pretty quickly, however, while the body is fighting the viral infection, it is being weakened, which makes it a prime target for a secondary infection by bacteria. More often than not, sore throats, runny noses, ear infections, chest infections are caused by the secondary bacterial infection taking advantage of your weak immune system. This is where anti-biotics come into effect.

Generally, the influenza virus (unless it's a really serious strain) is over within a couple of days at most. It's the bacterial infection that makes you still feel sick.

Answer 2

Viral Vs Bacterial Cold

Answer 3

There is no cure for a viral infection, such as the common cold or the flu, so you are right in that respect. But bronchitis is simply a complication from having the cold, it is not the direct cause of the cold virus itself. Many times bacteria that enters the mouth and nose can get trapped in the excess mucus and multiply, thus giving you a bacterial infection. This is not uncommon, especially in people who have bronchitis. The most common sign of a separate infection is the coughing up of green or brown mucus.

If that's the case, your doctor is right. Take the antibiotics.

Answer 4

If you have a virus, it has to run the course. Antibotics don't help at all. If you smoke, stop, at least while you are sick. Eat yoqurt to help fight the infection and put good bacteria in you. Drink lots of fluids to help flush it out. Try to rest as much as possible.

Answer 5

advanced viral infections can (sometimes or often - depending on the patient) lead to secondary bacterial infections - likely a cold virus caused the broncchitis ... if you have been sick long enough, it is typical to have the secondary infection so he is tying to clear that up with meds so your own immune system can focus on the virus ...

for the virus: take decongestants, gargle with salt water, drink OJ and chicken broth, lots and lots of water and clear fluids, and get plenty of rest ... your immune system will win in a week - give or take ... be sure to take care of yourself afterwards as there is usually a recovery period where you will have a lingering cough and weakness as your body rebuilds ...

Answer 6

You said that you have bronchitis; what makes you think that's viral? Bronchitis is practically ALWAYS bacterial. Take the antibiotics, and be sure to finish ALL of them.

Answer 7

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