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the plague bacteria :: Article Creator Ancestor Of Black Death Has Been Discovered In Bronze-Age Sheep Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways An ancestor of the bacteria responsible for plague has been found in the tooth of a sheep that lived nearly 4,000 years ago in a Bronze Age human settlement, scientists report in a new preprint study. Millennia later, the apparent descendants of this pathogen would unleash vicious pandemics that claimed millions of human lives, including the 6th-century Justinian plague and the 14th-century Black Death. In tracing the backstories of diseases like plague, this new research highlights the importance of looking not just at ancient human remains, but also the animals around them, the authors say. Most human pathogens have zoonotic origins, a...
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bacterial vs viral infection contagious :: Article Creator

"I Have A Bacterial Cold, Am I Contagious?" Know What A Doctor Has To Say

A sore throat is a common sign of a respiratory infection. A runny, stuffy nose can also indicate a cold, which is usually caused by a virus. However, sometimes, throat pain or other related symptoms can also signal a bacterial infection. According to Dr Sunita Nagpal, General Physician and Gynaecologist, Salubritas Medical Center, South Delhi, while most colds are caused by viruses, some may be the result of bacterial infections. This is usually a secondary complication after a viral infection, the doctor adds.

Dr Nagpal emphasises the importance of understanding the difference between a viral and a bacterial cold and shares that the treatment may differ. Some people also wonder whether a bacterial cold is also contagious like a viral infection. Here's everything you need to know about the same and what you can do to speed up recovery.

Also Read: Do Cold And Cough Resolve On Their Own Or Should You Take Medicine? Know From An Expert

Is Bacterial Cold Contagious?

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In most cases, infectious diseases are either caused by a virus or a bacteria, and just like a viral infection, bacterial infections can also be contagious, says Dr Nagpal. The difference is that the latter does not spread as easily as viral infections.

"A viral cold spreads mainly through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. However, bacterial infections can spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, consuming contaminated food or water, and bites from infected animals.

"If a bacterial infection affects the respiratory system, it can still spread through close contact, coughing, or sneezing."

Bacterial Vs. Viral Cold

For those who don't know, a viral cold is caused by a virus and usually lasts 3-7 days. The symptoms appear gradually and include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, mild fever and chills, sneezing, and fatigue.

On the other hand, a bacterial cold is more severe and occurs due to a bacterial infection, often as a secondary complication after a viral infection. Symptoms appear suddenly and may include high fever (often above 101°F or 38.3°C), severe sore throat or ear pain, thick, yellow, or green nasal discharge, and pain and pressure in the sinuses. Symptoms usually last more than 10 days or worsen after initial improvement.

It is important to note that bacterial infections require medical attention, while viral infections usually resolve on their own with supportive care.

How To Differentiate Between Viral And Bacterial Infections?

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Distinguishing between a bacterial and viral infection can be challenging, but some key factors help:

Blood tests: A complete blood count (CBC) can indicate a bacterial infection if the white blood cell count is significantly elevated.

Culture tests: A throat swab or nasal culture can detect bacterial growth.

Symptom duration: If symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen over time, or include high fever and severe pain, a bacterial infection is more likely.

Also Read: How To Use Antibiotic Eye Drops Safely: A Doctor's Guide To Quick Recovery

Role Of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are necessary for bacterial infections to treat the infection and reduce its severity, prevent complications like sinus infections, ear infections, and pneumonia, and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others, explains Dr Nagpal, highlighting that antibiotics do not work for viral infections; instead, doctors recommend symptomatic treatment for virals, such as rest, hydration, and Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications.

Using antibiotics for anything other than a bacterial infection can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance, which is a global public health concern, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria develop the ability to survive and grow in the presence of antibiotics. This complication is estimated to have been directly responsible for 10.27 lakh global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 40.95 lakh deaths.

How To Speed Up Recovery From A Bacterial Cold?

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A bacterial infection usually requires proper medical treatments and management. These include:

  • Taking prescribed antibiotics as directed by your doctor
  • Resting to allow your body to heal
  • Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and soothe the throat
  • Using a humidifier or steam inhalation to relieve congestion
  • Gargling with warm salt water to ease throat pain
  • Taking OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and discomfort
  • Avoiding contact with others to prevent spreading the infection

    • By following these steps and seeking medical attention when necessary, you can ensure a faster and smoother recovery from a bacterial cold. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor for further evaluation.

    Conclusion

    A cold is usually caused by a virus, which can lead to a bacterial infection. A viral infection often does not require any treatment and resolves on its own with the help of rest and relaxation. On the other hand, bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Therefore, it is crucial to distinguish between the two infections. Additionally, bacterial infections can also be contagious, even though they are less easy to spread. Therefore, it is important to take necessary measures to curb transmission.

    Disclaimer

    All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.


    Can I Get Conjunctivitis From My Dog?

    Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) can spread from dogs to humans, though it is not common. Allergic conjunctivitis cannot spread from dogs to people or from one person to another person.

    Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is inflammation of the membrane between the eyelid and the eyeball. It can happen due to an infection or from exposure to an allergen like pollen.

    If your dog has infectious viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, it's possible to contract the infection. This type of pink eye is caused either by virus particles or bacteria.

    However, conjunctivitis can also develop due to allergies. Allergies and the symptoms they may cause are not contagious.

    Doctors and vets typically treat infectious and allergic conjunctivitis with eye drops.

    Keep reading to learn how conjunctivitis can spread and how to reduce the risk of transmission.

    Conjunctivitis typically causes the white part of the eye to appear pink or red.

    It can also cause other symptoms, such as:

    If you think you may have conjunctivitis, it's best to talk with a doctor. They can perform an examination to determine the cause of your conjunctivitis. If it results from a viral or bacterial infection, it can be very contagious.

    If you have infectious conjunctivitis, it's best to stay home and limit exposure to others until your symptoms are gone.

    In pets

    Dogs can also experience symptoms of conjunctivitis such as pink or red eyes, swelling of the membrane between the eye and eyelid, and itching. These symptoms can result from allergic conjunctivitis, an infectious form, or an immune-mediated form.

    If you think your pet may have pink eye, it's best to have a vet take a look and determine the cause of their symptoms. They can also recommend a treatment plan to help address the inflammation.

    Some breeds may be more prone to eye infections. If your pet regularly gets eye infections, it's best to let their vet know so they can come up with an appropriate treatment plan.

    Taking certain precautions can help prevent the spread of viral and bacterial conjunctivitis.

    To help avoid contracting and transmitting conjunctivitis, the following tips are beneficial:

  • washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water
  • avoiding rubbing your eyes
  • washing hands before touching your eye
  • not sharing personal items, such as towels, pillows, and bedding, with someone who has pink eye

    • It's best to treat a pet's conjunctivitis with prescribed medication to reduce symptoms like irritation and itchiness and to help the infection clear. A vet may also recommend cleaning your pet's eyes by removing discharge.

    Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying eye drops to a pet or cleaning their eyes.

    Pets may rub itchy eyes on fabric surfaces in your home. Eye discharge may also be on pillows or blankets they use. Consider washing fabrics that they may have come into contact with during their infection.

    You may also be able to reduce the risk of your pet rubbing their eye on surfaces by having them wear a cone, also known as an Elizabethan collar.

    It is possible to contract viral or bacterial conjunctivitis from a dog, though rare and unlikely. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

    If your pet has an infectious form of conjunctivitis, it's important that you follow your vet's directions and take precautions to prevent the virus or bacteria from spreading.

    Preventive steps can include washing your hands frequently, especially before and after applying medication to your pet.





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