Bacteria or viruses can cause a middle ear infection: Bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (nontypeable) are the two most common bacteria causing middle ear infection. Viruses, like those that cause colds can cause middle ear infection.
How do you get ear infections?
Ear infections are caused by bacteria and viruses. Many times, an ear infection begins after a cold or other respiratory infection. The bacteria or virus travel into the middle ear through the eustachian tube (there's one in each ear). This tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat.
How do you know if ear infection is viral or bacterial?
Ear pain and new onset fever after several days of a runny nose is probably an ear infection.1Symptoms persist longer than the expected 10-14 days a virus tends to last.2Fever is higher than one might typically expect from a virus.3Fever gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving.
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