Can I Diagnose an Infection at Home?

January 15, 2023

If you have been feeling under the weather lately, you are certainly not alone in this fact. With the rise in viral infections this season, staying healthy can seem overwhelming! We know that getting sick can make your life come to a grinding halt, so having a diagnosis and treatment plan is crucial to a speedy recovery.

If you have an infection of some sort, come see us! Our AFC Urgent Care Knoxville team can help diagnose and treat your illness quickly so you can get back on track with your life.

How Do Infections Spread?

Infections can be really contagious, making them a threat to vulnerable populations in a short amount of time. They can be spread through exposure to infected people, through an uncovered cough or sneeze or by contact with a germy surface like a doorknob or countertop.

While exposure to bacteria causes bacterial infections, exposure to a virus causes viral infections. Both can make you feel pretty miserable, so watch out for the emergence of the symptoms below and take it easy for a few days while you aren’t feeling well.

Common Infection Symptoms

Coughing
Runny nose or congestion
Fever
Sore throat

Can I Take an Old Antibiotic for an Infection?

No! Taking old antibiotics for a previous bacterial infection can be dangerous and won’t help you in the long run. If you aren’t sure if your infection is bacterial or not, it is important to come see us for an accurate diagnosis. Since viral and bacterial infections require different treatment, you need to know what you are suffering from.

For the majority of viral infections, the best course of treatment is to manage your symptoms and wait for your infection to resolve. Rest, drink a lot of water and catch up on your sleep. Your body needs energy to fight off the infection, so the better you take care of yourself, the faster you will feel better.