Bacterial & Viral Infections
Science: KS3, topic 1.6.37
Bacterial and Viral Infections
Some diseases are caused by bacterial and viruses.
Diseases spread by bacteria
- Salmonella is caused by a bacteria that lives in the gut of animals.
- People can get salmonella from:
- Eating undercooked food
- Practising poor hygiene, such as not washing their hands
Symptoms of salmonella
- Symptoms of salmonella include:
- Diarrhea
- Severe stomach pain
- Vomiting
Recovering from Salmonella
- Recovering from a salmonella infection may take over a month.
- Antibiotics may be required to help fight the infection.
Diseases spread by viruses
- Influenza spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- That cough or sneeze spreads droplets containing influenza through the air.
- Someone who breathes in the droplets could become infected.
Symptoms of influenza
- Symptoms of influenza:
- High temperatures
- Headaches
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
Treatment of Influenza
- There is no direct treatment for viruses such as influenza.
- Doctors advise drinking lots of water and resting.
Test yourself on Bacterial & Viral Infections
How long might it take to recover from a salmonella infection?
Why could eating food that is not fully cooked lead to a salmonella infection?