What is a viral infection?
A viral infection occurs when a virus enters your body and begins to multiply. As a result, you can experience symptoms as the infection causes damage to the body’s cells. The virus can continue to multiply within your body, but viruses are contagious, so they can also spread to a new host.
Viral particles can be passed on in numerous ways. They can be inhaled or transferred by direct contact, for example, when you touch your face. The most common viral infections in humans are infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as the common cold and flu.
What is an upper respiratory infection (URI)?
- Upper respiratory infection (URI) refers to swelling in the mucous membranes of your nose, throat, larynx (voice box), and trachea. These areas become irritated, and your body finds it difficult to clear mucus effectively, triggering its defence systems.
- Symptoms such as pain, fever, and a runny nose are common in such cases.
- If you have these symptoms, you should observe them very closely because an upper respiratory infection can be viral or bacterial. The symptoms are very similar and can overlap.
- A proper diagnosis is essential to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment for a fast recovery. For example, antibiotics only kill bacteria and do not work against viruses.
VIRAL VS. BACTERIAL RESPIRATORY INFECTION:
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
| SYMPTOMS | VIRAL URI | BACTERIAL URI |
|---|---|---|
| Runny/stuffy nose | Watery, colorless | Thick, mucus-like |
| Temperature | Above 37 °C usual but generally below 38.5 °C | Generally over 38.5 °C |
| Sore throat | Painful, red, without discharge | Very red, possibly with discharge from tonsils |
| Cough | Dry cough | Phlegmy cough |
| Other | Feeling of weakness, muscle pain,chills, headache, reduced appetite | Breathlessness, headaches, previous cold |
| Treatment | Antiviral | Antibiotic |