Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics such as amoxicillin, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin. There are many different types of antibiotic, with different ways of working; the choice depends on the type of infection you have. Fungi commonly cause skin infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm.

Size. Bacteria are giants when compared to viruses. The smallest bacteria are about 0.4 micron (one millionth of a meter) in diameter while viruses range in size from 0.02 to 0.25 micron. This makes most viruses submicroscopic, unable to be seen in an ordinary light microscope.

A virus is a tiny, infectious particle that can reproduce only by infecting a host cell. Viruses “commandeer” the host cell and use its resources to make more viruses, basically reprogramming it to become a virus factory. Because they can’t reproduce by themselves (without a host), viruses are not considered living.

Seven best natural antibiotics

1. Garlic. Cultures across the world have long recognized garlic for its preventive and curative powers.
2. Honey. Since the time of Aristotle, honey has been used as an ointment that helps wounds to heal and prevents or draws out infection.
3. Ginger.
4. Echinacea.
5. Goldenseal.
6. Clove.
7. Oregano.

In some cases we become more concerned that the infection may be caused by a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections may be the result of “secondary infection” (meaning that the virus initiated the process but a bacteria followed) when the: Symptoms persist longer than the expected 10-14 days a virus tends to last.

However, taking the following steps may help reduce your risk of recurring BV infections.

1. Pay attention to vaginal hygiene.
2. Wear breathable underwear.
3. Ask about boric acid suppositories.
4. Use condoms.
5. Maintain a healthy vaginal pH.
6. Take a probiotic.
7. Find healthy ways to destress.

Bacterial infections are caused by the transmission of bacteria. You can be exposed to bacteria from other people, through the environment, or from eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

Even without antibiotics, most people can fight off a bacterial infection, especially if symptoms are mild. About 70 percent of the time, symptoms of acute bacterial sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.

Try the following:

1. Drink fluids regularly throughout the day, especially after bouts of diarrhea.
2. Eat little and often, and include some salty foods.
3. Consume foods or drinks with potassium, such as fruit juice and bananas.
4. Don’t take any medications without asking your doctor.

Your doctor often can diagnose you through a medical history and physical exam. The doctor may order blood or urine tests or a spinal culture to help pinpoint a viral or bacterial infection.

Summary: Respiratory viral infections may facilitate secondary bacterial infections and increase host immunopathology through the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines.

Causes

• Bacteria. These one-cell organisms are responsible for illnesses such as strep throat, urinary tract infections and tuberculosis.
• Viruses. Even smaller than bacteria, viruses cause a multitude of diseases ranging from the common cold to AIDS.
• Fungi.
• Parasites.