|
|
|
Bacteria and Viruses- What's the Difference?
Infectious diseases are caused by microbes. The two major types of microbes are the bacteria and the virus. Microbes are too small to be seen by the eye but can cause illness when they invade our bodies and multiply.
Viruses are the smallest microbes, they invade the cell of a living organism, begin to multiply and spread throughout the body infecting other organisms as they spread. Viruses do need a host to live as they die very quickly once outside the host.
Bacteria live everywhere, most do not cause infection and they multiply by division. Bacteria is present in the intestines of organisms where they aid digestion. However illness like cramps can occur in the intestines if there is a imbalance in that area.
Both virus and some bacteria can cause infection, the symptoms caused by an infection depend on the location, nature of the infection and microbe type. Infection causes redness and swelling, other symptoms can occur like fatigue and fever. Viruses are difficult to eliminate and medicines have only been developed to fight a few viruses. Antibiotics can be taken to fight bacterial infections, however, antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
Regular hand washing, good hygiene, and proper care of wounds can go a long way in stopping the spread of microbes.
Infectious diseases are caused by microbes. The two major types of microbes are the bacteria and the virus. Microbes are too small to be seen by the eye but can cause illness when they invade our bodies and multiply.
Viruses are the smallest microbes, they invade the cell of a living organism, begin to multiply and spread throughout the body infecting other organisms as they spread. Viruses do need a host to live as they die very quickly once outside the host.
Bacteria live everywhere, most do not cause infection and they multiply by division. Bacteria is present in the intestines of organisms where they aid digestion. However illness like cramps can occur in the intestines if there is a imbalance in that area.
Both virus and some bacteria can cause infection, the symptoms caused by an infection depend on the location, nature of the infection and microbe type. Infection causes redness and swelling, other symptoms can occur like fatigue and fever. Viruses are difficult to eliminate and medicines have only been developed to fight a few viruses. Antibiotics can be taken to fight bacterial infections, however, antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
Regular hand washing, good hygiene, and proper care of wounds can go a long way in stopping the spread of microbes.
