HomeAnswersInternal Medicinebacterial infectionHow to diagnose if an infection is viral or bacterial?

How do I confirm that I have got a viral or bacterial infection?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At January 13, 2017
Reviewed AtAugust 21, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had an IV treatment for fever. I took four doses of Monocef 1 gm. My fever is gone, and I am feeling better. I still have a sore throat, and there is a lot of mucus generated. The mucus is transparent. How do I confirm that I have got a viral or bacterial infection? Since my fever went down with antibiotics can it be bacterial? I asked my treating doctor regarding this and he said it is bacterial? How did he know it?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Distinguishing between viral and bacterial infection relies primarily on obtaining a mucus sample and subjecting it to culture to pinpoint the responsible microorganism. Your doctor likely inferred a bacterial infection due to your favorable response to antibiotics. This response indicates that the treatment targeted the bacterial cause effectively.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Salah Saad Hassan Shoman
Dr. Salah Saad Hassan Shoman

Internal Medicine

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