Bacterial infections — what you need to know right now

Bacterial infections are common and can range from a mild sore throat to a serious lung or blood infection. Wondering when an infection is just annoying and when it’s dangerous? This page gives clear signs to watch for, basic steps you can take at home, and smart tips about antibiotics so you don’t make things worse by accident.

Common bacterial infections and red flags

Some bacterial infections you’ll see often: strep throat, sinusitis, certain ear infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections like cellulitis, and some types of pneumonia. Symptoms overlap with viruses, but look out for this:

• High fever (over 38.5°C / 101.5°F) or a fever that keeps rising
• Local signs of infection — increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or red streaks
• Severe pain or pain that suddenly worsens
• Breathing trouble, fast heart rate, confusion, or fainting
• Frequent painful urination or blood in the urine

If you see those, get medical help quickly. For milder symptoms, call your provider — many clinics can tell you over the phone whether you need testing or antibiotics.

Antibiotics: use them right

Antibiotics kill or stop bacteria, but they don’t work on viruses. That’s why your doctor might say no to an antibiotic for a cold. Taking antibiotics incorrectly fuels resistance and raises the risk of side effects. Practical rules I follow and recommend:

• Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a clinician who examined you or reviewed a test.
• Follow the prescription exactly — dose, timing, and duration. If you're unsure, ask the prescriber before stopping early.
• Tell your provider about allergies, pregnancy, and other meds — some antibiotics interact with common drugs.
• If symptoms worsen or you have new rash, severe diarrhea, or belly pain after starting antibiotics, call your doctor.

Our site has practical pieces that help pick safe options: see guides on Biaxin (clarithromycin), switching from amoxicillin, Flagyl alternatives, and Bactrim basics. Those articles explain when each drug is used and what side effects to watch for.

Buying meds online? Use licensed pharmacies, check for a physical address and pharmacist contact, and avoid sites that don’t ask for a valid prescription. We review safe pharmacy options and warning signs to watch for.

Short tip: prevention helps. Wash hands, stay up to date on vaccines like pneumococcal shots if recommended, treat wounds quickly, and manage chronic conditions like diabetes — they raise infection risk.

If you want, browse our related articles on specific antibiotics and alternatives to learn which drugs fit which infections and why doctors switch therapies. Questions? Reach out through our contact page — we try to answer clearly and without jargon.