Bacterial Infection Treatment

You should see a doctor for a bacterial infection if you experience:

• Persistent or high fever: A fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) that doesn’t subside may indicate a serious infection.
• Worsening symptoms: If symptoms like pain, swelling, or difficulty breathing intensify, medical attention is needed.
• Prolonged illness: If symptoms last more than 10 days or keep returning, an underlying bacterial infection may require antibiotics.
• Chest pain: This can indicate a lung infection like pneumonia, requiring urgent care.
• Severe skin infections: Redness, warmth, pus, or spreading skin infections may need antibiotic treatment.
• Vomiting & diarrhoea: If persistent, these symptoms can lead to complications and require medical intervention.
• Recurring infections: Frequent bacterial infections may indicate a weakened immune system and require further evaluation.

Bacterial infections can affect various parts of the body. Some common types include:

• Respiratory infections: Affect the lungs and airways. Examples: Pneumonia, tuberculosis and whooping cough
• Skin infections: Cause rashes, sores, or abscesses. Examples: Cellulitis (Streptococcus, Staphylococcus), impetigo and MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
• Gastrointestinal infections: Affect the digestive system. Examples: Food poisoning (Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter), cholera and helicobacter pylori infection
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Commonly caused by E. coli, leading to painful urination and kidney issues.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Bacterial infections spread through sexual contact. Examples: Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis
• Blood infections: Life-threatening condition when bacteria enter the bloodstream, often requiring urgent medical care.
• Ear and eye infections: Such as bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) and otitis media (middle ear infection).

The symptoms of a bacterial infection vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. However, common signs include:

General Symptoms

• Fever: A high temperature (above 38°C or 100.4°F) is a key sign of infection.
• Fatigue: Feeling weak or excessively tired.
• Chills & Sweating: Body temperature fluctuations can indicate an infection.
• Pain & Inflammation: Affected areas may be red, swollen, and painful.

Symptoms based on infection type

Respiratory Infections (e.g., pneumonia, strep throat)

• Cough (with or without mucus)
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

Skin infections

• Redness, swelling, and warmth
• Pus or drainage
• Painful sores or blisters

Gastrointestinal infections

• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
• Stomach cramps

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

• Pain or burning during urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

Blood infections

• Rapid heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion or dizziness

Bacterial infections occur when harmful bacteria enter the body and multiply, leading to illness. They can spread through various means, including:

1. Direct contact

• Person-to-person transmission: Close contact with an infected person, such as touching, kissing, or sexual activity, can spread bacteria.
• Contaminated surfaces: Bacteria like MRSA can survive on surfaces and be transmitted by touching infected objects.

2. Airborne transmission

• Coughing & Sneezing: Respiratory infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and whooping cough spread through droplets in the air.

3. Contaminated food & water

• Foodborne bacteria: Eating undercooked or contaminated food can cause food poisoning (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria).
• Unsafe water: Drinking or swimming in contaminated water can cause infections like cholera and dysentery.

4. Insect bites: Certain bacteria spread through insect bites, such as Lyme disease (from ticks) or plague (from fleas).

5. Open wounds & injuries: Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus can enter the bloodstream, causing infections like cellulitis or sepsis.

Yes, many bacterial infections are contagious, meaning they can spread from person to person through direct contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, or bodily fluids.

The duration of a bacterial infection depends on the type, severity, and treatment. Mild bacterial infections, such as strep throat or a urinary tract infection (UTI), usually improve within a few days to a week.

• Skin infections like impetigo may clear up in 7–10 days with proper treatment.
• More severe infections, such as bacterial pneumonia or gastroenteritis, may last one to two weeks.
• Chronic infections like tuberculosis can persist for months if not treated properly.
• Some bacterial infections, like Lyme disease, can have lingering effects even after treatment.

Without antibiotics, some infections may resolve on their own, but others can worsen and lead to complications. Seeking medical advice and completing prescribed antibiotic courses are essential for proper recovery.

Viral and bacterial infections are both caused by microbes but differ in their characteristics, treatment, and effects on the body.

Certain individuals are more susceptible to bacterial infections due to weakened immunity or specific risk factors. These include:

• Young children & elderly adults: Their immune systems are either underdeveloped (children) or weakened with age (elderly), making them more vulnerable.
• Chronic conditions: Individuals with diabetes, lung disease (e.g., COPD), kidney disease, or heart disease have a higher risk of infections like pneumonia and UTIs.
• Immunocompromised: Those with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants are more prone to severe bacterial infections.
• Hospitalised patients: Hospital environments expose individuals to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, increasing the risk of infections like MRSA and sepsis.
• People with poor hygiene or malnutrition: Lack of proper handwashing, contaminated food, and malnutrition can increase susceptibility to infections.
• Frequent antibiotic use: Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making bacterial infections harder to treat.
• Pregnant women: Hormonal and immune changes during pregnancy make women more susceptible to infections like UTIs and bacterial vaginosis.

The seriousness of a bacterial infection depends on its type, severity, and how quickly it is treated.

• Mild infections, such as ear infections, strep throat, or urinary tract infections (UTIs), are usually not serious and can be treated effectively with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, some bacterial infections can spread and cause complications.
• Severe infections, like pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis, can be life-threatening and require urgent medical care. Some bacteria, such as MRSA or drug-resistant tuberculosis, are harder to treat due to antibiotic resistance. Infections that spread to the bloodstream or vital organs can lead to organ failure or death if not treated promptly.

While most bacterial infections are manageable, it’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent complications and ensure a faster recovery.

Preventing bacterial infections involves good hygiene, vaccinations, and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are keyways to reduce the risk:

• Practise good hygiene: Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Keep wounds clean and covered to prevent infection.
• Stay up to date on vaccinations: Vaccines can protect against bacterial infections like pneumonia, tetanus, whooping cough, and meningitis.
• Proper food handling: Cook food thoroughly, avoid cross-contamination, and store food at safe temperatures to prevent foodborne bacterial infections like Salmonella and E. coli.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals: Bacterial infections like strep throat and tuberculosis spread through droplets, so maintaining distance can help prevent transmission.
• Boost your immune system: A healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management can strengthen the immune system and help fight off infections.
• Practice safe sex: Use protection to reduce the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

If left untreated or not properly managed, bacterial infections can lead to serious complications, including:

• Sepsis: A life-threatening condition where bacteria spread into the bloodstream, causing organ failure and shock.
• Organ damage & failure: Infections like bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, or kidney infections can lead to lung, brain, or kidney damage if severe.
• Antibiotic resistance: Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can make bacteria resistant, making future infections harder to treat.
• Chronic infections: Some bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease or tuberculosis, can become long-term illnesses if not treated early.
• Abscess formation: Pus-filled pockets can develop in tissues, requiring drainage or surgery.
• Joint & bone infections: Bacteria can infect bones or joints, leading to long-term pain and mobility issues.
• Heart complications: Certain infections, like strep throat, can lead to rheumatic fever, which may cause heart valve damage.
• Meningitis: A bacterial brain infection that can cause brain damage, seizures, or even death if not treated promptly.

Consulting a GP has become simple and convenient with Hola Health’s 24/7 telehealth appointments. To speak to an online doctor:

• Start by visiting Hola’s website or app
• Speak to a health practitioner through telehealth consultations and choose a consultation type
• Fill in your details along with payment
• Speak to an AHPRA-accredited medical practitioner within 15 minutes
• If needed, an online doctor will issue online scripts via SMS, medical certificates or referrals via email.

You can get an eScript through instant consult with a licensed health practitioner from anywhere, anytime. To get an online prescription:

• Visit Hola health website or app
• Select request an instant script
• Choose the consultation type
• Fill in your details and make payment
• Speak to a web doctor about your condition and if approved an online script will be sent to your mobile number as an SMS.

Get a sick certificate online with ease from anywhere in Australia through telehealth services within 15 minutes. Whether you need a same-day single-day certificate or a multi-day medical certificate for extended absence, you can request a doctor’s certificate online by choosing a certificate type, filling in your details, and making payment. An online doctor will review your request before approving your medical certificate.

You can easily get a referral online for bacterial infection from our licensed practitioners, 24/7. Whether you need a specialist referral, or a referral for blood tests, pathology tests, radiology tests, simply request one through a short telehealth consult with Hola Health’s AHPRA-registered practitioners.

Connect with registered health practitioners 24/7 to easily obtain medical certificates, prescriptions, and specialist referrals, without leaving home. Telehealth offers:

• Telehealth consultations: Need medical advice? Connect with a licensed online doctor within 15 minutes.
• 24-hour doctor access: Get medical support any time, no matter where you are in Australia.
• Online prescriptions: Receive legitimate scripts online from a licensed GP, approved and ready to use.
• Medical certificates: Request sick certificate online for work, school, or carer duties, no clinic visit required.
• 24/7 online doctor referrals : Get GP referrals for specialists, pathology, and radiology tests without waiting for an in-person appointment.
• Mental health support: Access online mental health treatment plans from experienced professionals via telehealth.

Connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

• Telehealth appointments Australia
• Get instant scripts 24/7
• Request medical certificates in Australia
• Online GP referrals