HOW DO YOU KNOW INFECTIONS? THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACUTE OR CHRONIC, VIRAL OR BACTERIAL INFECTION

We continue here with our insights to learn more about the infections we can be subjected to, in order to improve our daily prevention skills.

Infections can be acute or chronic.

An acute infection requires that the microbe remains in our body for a limited time, maximum six months. However, the effects that an acute infection can bring to our body may be of longer duration and make it as a fertile basis for the settling of a chronic situation. Chronic infections, which develop in longer periods, however, release fewer clues and can therefore be studied with more difficulties.

Infections can also be caused by bacteria or viruses.

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that live in different types of environments, even extremely hot or cold. Others live in the intestines of human beings, helping them digest food. Normally, bacteria do not cause harm to humans, but there are exceptions such as:

– Streptococci pharyngitis (a type of sore throat)

– Tuberculosis

– Urinary tract infections

The inappropriate use of antibiotics has unfortunately helped to create bacterial diseases resistant to drug treatment.

Viruses are smaller than bacteria and have to live within organisms (humans, animals or plants) to multiply, otherwise they would not survive. When a virus enters into a body, it invades some cells taking control of their reproduction and using them to multiply.

Diseases caused by viruses include, among others:

– Chickenpox

– Aids

– Common colds

There are also some types of ailments – such as pneumonia, meningitis and diarrhea – that can be caused by both bacteria and viruses.

In our next episodes, we will go deeper into how we can do prevention of infections in our daily lives.