Bacterial infections: how to spot, treat and prevent them

Some bacterial infections start simple — a sore throat or a skin blister — and can be fixed quickly. Others can turn serious fast, especially if antibiotics are used the wrong way. This page gives clear, practical steps you can use today to recognize common bacterial infections, get the right treatment, and avoid making them worse.

How to recognize common bacterial infections

Pay attention to sudden changes: fever, increasing pain, pus, red streaks on the skin, or a cough that gets worse instead of better. A throat infection with white patches or swollen glands, a painful urine with burning, and wound redness with warmth are all signs bacteria may be the cause. Not every runny nose is bacterial — viral infections usually improve in a few days — but worsening symptoms, high fever, or trouble breathing mean see a clinician right away.

Tests help. Doctors may swab your throat, test urine, or take a wound sample to identify the bacteria and which antibiotics work. Rapid tests for strep throat and urine dipsticks are common in clinics and can speed up the right treatment.

Treatment: smart antibiotic use and alternatives

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viruses. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, take it exactly as directed: the right dose, at the right time, and finish the course unless told otherwise. Stopping early can let resistant bacteria survive. If symptoms don’t improve in 48–72 hours, call your provider — you may need a different drug or extra tests.

Not every infection needs immediate antibiotics. Some mild skin or ear infections can be watched for a day or two if symptoms are stable. For specific conditions, doctors may suggest local care first: warm compresses for a minor skin abscess, saline rinses for sinus issues, or hydration and rest for mild urinary symptoms while awaiting test results.

Antibiotic resistance is real and growing. Using antibiotics only when necessary, avoiding leftover pills, and never sharing prescriptions helps protect you and your community. If you travel, follow local health advice — resistance patterns can vary by region.

Prevention is simple and effective. Wash hands regularly, keep wounds clean and covered, get recommended vaccines like pneumococcal or pertussis shots, and handle food safely to reduce foodborne bacterial risks. If you have chronic conditions like diabetes, control them well — they raise your risk for bad infections.

If you’re unsure whether symptoms point to a bacterial infection, call a healthcare provider or use a local urgent care. Early, targeted treatment reduces complications, shortens recovery, and helps stop resistance from spreading. Stay practical: watch symptoms, ask for tests when appropriate, and use antibiotics only when they’re truly needed.