While most bacteria are helpful, let’s look at five diseases bacteria can cause:
Strep throat: This throat and tonsil infection usually lasts around 10 days. Symptoms include a sore throat, red tonsils with white spots, a fever, swollen neck glands, and headaches. It is caused by the Streptococcus pathogen.
Salmonella: Salmonella is a type of food poisoning that results in stomach pains and diarrhea. It usually lasts around four to seven days. The salmonella bacteria live in the intestines — you can acquire them by eating undercooked or contaminated food. You can also get salmonella from eating or prepping food from unclean surfaces. Another way to contract salmonella is by holding or kissing certain animals such as turtles, lizards, or birds.
Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is spread through TB bacteria which is inhaled. Most people who inhale the disease can fight it off. However, the bacteria can remain inactive in a person’s body, and, later, become active. The symptoms include a long-lasting cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, and a fever. Tuberculosis can be treated with various medicines provided by a doctor.
Bacterial pneumonia: You can contract pneumonia through Streptococcus pneumoniae. It’s usually passed through respiratory droplets. Symptoms include a sudden fever, chills or rigors, chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, and more. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Urinary tract infections (UTI): When bacteria gets into your urinary system, it can cause a UTI. The microorganisms enter the urethra and bladder, which can travel up to the ureters and even cause kidney infections. Symptoms include pain in your side, abdomen, or pelvis, frequent urination, painful urination, and cloudy urine. Doctors can treat UTIs with antibiotics.
If you experience any of the above symptoms or any symptoms that alarm you, contact your doctor. They will help you with the proper course of treatment. If you are prescribed antibiotics, make sure to finish the whole course, even after you’re feeling better.