Viral and bacterial ear infections have many similarities, but in general, bacterial infections: - Have symptoms that persist for longer than the expected 10-14 days that a viral infection tends to last - Have a fever that is higher than one might typically expect from a virus - Have a fever that gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving, which is more common in viral infections The only way to know for sure if an ear infection is caused by a virus or bacteria is to receive a professional medical evaluation.