Upper respiratory infections (URIs) affect the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat, causing symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, and cough. While many URIs are viral, bacterial infections can also occur. Bacterial upper respiratory infections are contagious and can spread from person to person. Understanding how these infections are transmitted and prevented is important.
Understanding Bacterial Upper Respiratory Infections
Bacterial upper respiratory infections are caused by specific types of bacteria. Common examples include strep throat, caused by Group A Streptococcus, and bacterial sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses that can follow a viral infection. Other bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis can also cause these infections.
Symptoms often include a sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and fever. These symptoms might also involve facial pain or pressure, especially with bacterial sinusitis, and can sometimes be more severe or localized than those of viral infections. While some symptoms overlap with viral infections, bacterial infections can lead to complications if left untreated.
How They Spread
Bacterial upper respiratory infections primarily spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can be inhaled by others nearby or land on surfaces. Transmission also occurs through direct contact, such as touching contaminated objects like doorknobs or phones, and then touching one’s own eyes, nose, or mouth. Sharing eating or drinking utensils with an infected individual also facilitates spread.
The incubation period, the time between exposure and symptom onset, varies depending on the specific bacteria. For instance, strep throat typically has an incubation period of two to five days. Individuals can be contagious even before symptoms appear and remain contagious during the active illness. For some bacterial infections like strep throat, a person can remain contagious for weeks if left untreated.
Preventing Transmission
Preventing the transmission of bacterial upper respiratory infections involves practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is effective, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into the elbow, rather than the hands, helps contain respiratory droplets. Promptly disposing of used tissues is also important.
Avoiding touching the face, particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth, minimizes germ transfer from contaminated surfaces. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces in homes and workplaces can reduce bacteria. Staying home when sick prevents spreading the infection to others, especially during the peak contagious period.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
Seeking medical guidance is advised when symptoms of an upper respiratory infection are severe, worsen, or persist beyond 7 to 10 days. A healthcare professional can determine if the infection is bacterial, as only bacterial infections respond to antibiotics. Distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections is often difficult based on symptoms alone, and a doctor may perform tests like a throat swab or nasal swab for an accurate diagnosis.
If a bacterial infection is confirmed, a doctor can prescribe appropriate antibiotic treatment. Taking antibiotics as prescribed helps resolve the infection and reduces the period of contagiousness. Medical attention is also advised for symptoms such as a high fever (above 103°F or 38.3°C), difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe sore throat with trouble swallowing, as these could indicate a more serious condition or complication.