| Rest and adequate fluid intake are important factors in the recovery from any infection. Individuals with pain or muscle aches may need pain-relieving medicine (analgesics). Those with fever may require fever-reducing medicine (antipyretics). Other treatments vary, depending on the responsible pathogen and the tissues or organ systems involved.
A bacterial infection is treated with an antibiotic. The specific antibiotic used is either chosen based on experience (empirically) or on the sensitivity of the organism to different antibiotics used in the bacteriology laboratory. If the infection has become walled off (abscess), it is usually cut open (incised) and allowed to drain. Severe bacterial infections (e.g., meningitis) may require intravenous antibiotic administration.
A viral infection may or may not be treated with an antiviral medication. It is difficult to design drugs that kill the virus without also killing the cells they live in. Therefore, treatment of viral infections depends largely on relieving the symptoms while relying on the body's own defense system to eradicate the virus. If the individual has a defective immune system (immunocompromised), more aggressive therapy may be necessary.
Fungal infections are treated with antifungals based on the location of the infection. Skin and nail fungal infections are generally treated with antifungal creams or lotions applied to the skin. Antifungal drugs are also available in tablet, lozenge, suspension, vaginal suppositories, and injection forms. Fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals may require antifungal drugs administered intravenously (IV). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor