[header] How to tell a viral from a bacterial infection [title] Track the length of your illness. [step] In general, viral infections are milder than bacterial infections, but they tend to last longer. You will feel very sick for 1 to 3 days and then you will start to feel better, but some of your symptoms may linger.
Symptoms that linger for a week or more may be a virus. [substeps] It's important to stay vigilant and talk to your doctor about antibiotics if symptoms last for a while.