Question

Ursula is suffering symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, and fever. Although many of her coworkers have been sick over the past month, she is certain this is something different. Her coworkers were all diagnosed with the same virus. Ursula, however, is sure that her symptoms are not the result of a virus at all. Which of the following would prove Ursula is correct?

a) Ursula has the flu.

b) Ursula's disease is contagious.

c) Ursula has a bacterial infection.

d) Ursula has a common cold.

Answer 1

To prove Ursula's symptoms are from a non-viral cause, a bacterial infection would be evidence against a viral infection. Diagnosis requires laboratory tests to distinguish between bacterial and viral pathogens as they can cause similar symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prove that Ursula's symptoms are not the result of a virus, we must look for evidence of a non-viral cause. Ursula has a bacterial infection would prove she is correct if her symptoms were caused by bacteria rather than a virus. Clinicians rely on signs, symptoms, medical history, and patient activities to differentiate between diseases, since different microorganisms can cause similar symptoms. For instance, both bacterial and viral pathogens can cause diarrheal diseases, but the presence of a bacterial pathogen would necessitate different treatment than a viral one.

Fever, which is a common symptom of many infections, ranging from the common cold to more severe infections like Ebola hemorrhagic fever, would not be enough to distinguish a viral origin from other pathogens. To conclusively identify a bacterial cause, a medical professional would conduct laboratory tests, such as a culture or antigen tests, to identify the specific pathogen responsible for Ursula's illness.