Infections Aren’t Always Obvious
Emma thought she had a simple cold. A little fatigue, a mild fever, and a cough that wouldn’t go away. But after two weeks, she still felt drained. She tried over-the-counter meds, herbal teas, and extra rest, but nothing worked.
Her doctor ordered a microbiology test, and the results surprised her. It wasn’t a common virus—it was a bacterial infection that required antibiotics. Without testing, she could have spent weeks guessing, while the infection got worse.
Infections can be tricky. Some clear up on their own, but others need proper treatment. The only way to know for sure? Testing.
Why Some Infections Won’t Go Away
A fever, sore throat, cough, or stomach upset—these symptoms could be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or even parasites. The problem? Many infections look the same on the surface.
Taking the wrong treatment (or skipping treatment altogether) can make things worse. That’s where microbiology testing comes in.
A doctor can’t always tell what’s causing your illness just by looking at your symptoms. But a simple lab test can reveal the exact cause and the right treatment.
How Microbiology Testing Works
Microbiology tests look at bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites in your body. These tests can check samples from your blood, urine, stool, skin, or throat to find out exactly what’s making you sick.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order one or more of the following:
- Blood culture: Detects bacteria or fungi in your bloodstream.
- Urine test: Identifies infections in the urinary tract.
- Throat or nasal swab: Checks for strep throat, COVID-19, flu, or other respiratory infections.
- Stool test: Detects parasites, bacteria, or viruses affecting the digestive system.
- Wound culture: Finds infections in cuts, burns, or surgical wounds.
Why It Matters for You
Microbiology testing doesn’t just confirm an infection—it helps doctors choose the right treatment. Here’s why that matters:
- Antibiotics don’t work on viruses. If your infection is viral, taking antibiotics won’t help and may even lead to antibiotic resistance.
- Some bacteria are resistant to common antibiotics. Testing helps doctors pick the right medication to fight the infection.
- Fungal infections need different treatments. If your illness is caused by a fungus, antibiotics won’t work, but antifungal medications will.
When Should You Get Tested?
If your symptoms last longer than expected, get worse, or keep coming back, a microbiology test could give you answers. Talk to your doctor if you experience:
- A fever that won’t go away.
- A persistent cough or sore throat.
- Stomach issues that last more than a few days.
- Skin infections that don’t heal.
- Unexplained fatigue or body aches.
Get Tested at Henks Medicals Ltd.
At Henks Medicals Ltd., we offer fast, accurate microbiology tests to diagnose infections and help you get the right treatment. Don’t let an untreated infection take over your health. Book your test today.