Whether you know it or not, chances are you’ve had a respiratory tract infection (RTI) or upper respiratory tract infection (URI) at some point in your life. A bacterial respiratory tract infection is an infection of the sinuses, throat, airway, or lungs. Bacterial infections may develop after having a viral illness like a cold or the flu. Symptoms tend to localize to one particular area.So how do you know if your common cold has morphed into a bacterial respiratory tract infection? Here are some warning signs and treatment options that’ll help you feel better in no time.Bacterial vs. Viral InfectionsThe difference between bacterial and viral infections is simple: bacterial infections are caused by bacteria (single-celled microorganisms), while viral infections are caused by viruses (smaller than bacteria and require a living host to multiply).Many ailments and illnesses have similar symptoms whether they are viral or bacterial—the biggest difference between the two types of infections...
