If you have ever had a bacterial infection, you probably have had a round of antibiotics before! Antibiotics are one of the most reliable ways to help treat infections, and they can help you feel better quickly.

However, it is important to know when antibiotics will help and when they won’t. Read on to get all the facts about these powerful medications from our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia.

Do All Infections Benefit From Antibiotics?

No! This is why it is so important to know what infection you are suffering from. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, so taking them will not make you feel better. Some infections can be either bacterial or viral, so it can be tricky to distinguish on your own.

If you meet with a medical provider and are prescribed an antibiotic, take the medication exactly as directed and do not skip a dose. This is crucial to making sure the infection doesn’t come back.

Commonly Diagnosed Bacterial Infections

• UTI (urinary tract infection)
• Strep throat
• Ear or sinus infections
• Bacterial pneumonias

Is My Infection Bacterial or Viral?

The only way to know what illness you have is to seek medical attention, but there are some common things that can sometimes distinguish between bacterial and viral infections. For example, if your symptoms are persisting beyond 10 to 14 days, that indicates a bacterial infection. It is also more common to have a persistent fever with a bacterial case.

In cases of viruses like the common cold, they tend to resolve on their own within a week. In any case, noticing the signs of an infection should prompt a visit to see us.

Signs of an Infection

• Pain in the area of concern
• Swelling
• Fever
• Muscle aches

If you need help determining what kind of infection you have, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia to see if antibiotics are the treatment for you!