This is one of the most common questions that your healthcare provider is asked. Illness caused by bacteria and viruses often appear similar. They can both cause fever, cough, runny nose, rash, diarrhea, headaches, etc. Most common coughs and colds, fevers and many rashes are caused by viruses. Strep throat, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia are often caused by bacteria. To understand the answer we need to review the differences between bacteria and viruses, as well as how antibiotics (antibacterials) and antivirals work.
Bacteria are living organisms, they can reproduce and exist without a host. They have cell structures and machinery similar to the cells in our body. Bacteria exist everywhere. They are found throughout our bodies — inside and out. Many of the bacteria we contain in our gastrointestinal tract are helpful and necessary for use to digest foods, produce vitamins and strengthen our immune systems.
Viruses are non-living organisms, they require a host (human, animal, etc). They will only survive a short period of time outside of the host (seconds to minutes). Viruses are generally genetic material (DNA and/or RNA) encapsulated in a protein. The only way that a virus can replicate is by using the cells and machinery found in the cells of the host. Viruses are tricky in this way, they inject their DNA or RNA into our own, so that our cells then actually multiply it, then it kills our cells.
Now that we know the difference between bacteria and viruses, we can discuss the different treatments. Antibiotics (or antibacterials) are effective against bacteria. They generally work by disrupting cell structures and either killing the bacteria or rendering the bacteria unable to replicate. There are 2 main groups of antibiotics that are used: narrow spectrum — meaning they are effective against a few selective bacteria — and broad spectrum — meaning they can be effective against many bacteria. It is very important that we try to use narrow spectrum antibiotics when possible. As you recall we have bacteria in our guts that we need and each time we take antibiotics will kill some of those as well. Broad spectrum antibiotics are sometimes necessary when we are not sure what bacteria we are treating.
Antibiotics will not work against viruses, as they have no cell structures. There are conditions that we use anti-viral medications: shingles, influenza, HIV, herpes, etc. Unlike antibiotics, antivirals are not active against a wide range of viruses. We only have a few antivirals and due to their specific actions, they only work against a certain few viruses. These medications work by disrupting the replication process. Antivirals do not kill the virus. Our immune system needs to get rid of the virus.
Understanding the difference between bacteria and viruses, allows us to see why taking an antibiotic or antibacterial when we have a cold does not help. It will not help to shorten the course of the illness or reduce the chance of spreading it. In fact, taking an antibiotic may indeed cause more harm as it disrupts the normal bacteria that we need in our guts, which may actually weaken our immune system.
Both bacteria and viruses are able to adapt and become resistant to the medications. You may consider taking a probiotic prophylactically or any time that you are placed on antibiotics or antiviral medications. Call for an appointment if you would like further information about avoiding antibiotics and building your immunity in a healthy proactive way.
