Infections are common and often manageable if you act early and smart. This page gives clear, practical steps for common infections, how to tell when you need medical care, and simple prevention tips that actually work. Read the short, useful advice below and use it the next time someone in your family gets sick.
Clean wounds: wash your hands, rinse cuts with clean water, remove visible dirt, pat dry, apply an antiseptic if you have one, and cover with a sterile bandage. Change the dressing daily and keep an eye on redness, warmth, or pus.
Fever and pain: use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain unless a doctor says otherwise. Always follow dosing instructions and check with a provider for children and pregnant people. Rest and fluids help the immune system work.
Know the likely cause: bacterial infections often need antibiotics; viral infections usually don’t. Fungal and parasitic infections need specific medicines. A quick phone or telehealth consult can help sort this out before you buy anything.
Seek medical help if you have a high fever (over 39°C/102°F), spreading redness or a rapidly swelling wound, shortness of breath, chest pain, sudden confusion, severe pain, or if a small problem suddenly gets much worse. For newborns, very young children, or people with weakened immune systems, call a provider early—signs can be subtle but progress fast.
Specific red flags: for urinary symptoms with fever and flank pain, get tested for a kidney infection; for sore throat with difficulty breathing or drooling, seek urgent care; for skin infections that form hard, painful lumps or purple spots, see a doctor right away.
Antibiotics: take them only when prescribed. Finish the full course unless told otherwise. Don’t use leftover pills or share prescriptions. Misusing antibiotics fuels resistance and can make future infections harder to treat.
Antivirals and antifungals: they work best when used correctly and often early. For example, antivirals for the flu help most when started within 48 hours of symptoms. Fungal nail or skin treatments usually need weeks or months of steady use.
Prevention tips that pay off: wash hands often, keep wounds covered until healed, get vaccines such as flu and COVID, store and prepare food safely, and manage chronic conditions like diabetes to lower infection risk.
Buying medicines online? Verify the pharmacy’s license, require a prescription when appropriate, read reviews, and avoid sites that sell controlled drugs without scripts. Our site has guides on online pharmacy safety to help you spot scams.
If you’re unsure, call a nurse line or book a telehealth visit. Early advice often prevents a small issue from becoming an emergency. Want more details? Browse our infection-related posts for step-by-step guides, pharmacy safety tips, and condition-specific articles.
