What are bacteria and viruses?
Bacteria are single-celled organisms usually found inside and outside our bodies, except in the blood and spinal fluid. Many bacteria are not harmful. In fact, some are actually beneficial. However, disease-causing bacteria trigger illnesses, such as strep throat and some ear infections. Viruses are smaller than bacteria. A virus cannot survive outside the body’s cells. It causes illness by invading healthy cells and reproducing. • What kinds of infections are caused by viruses and should not be treated with antibiotics? • Colds • Flu • Most coughs and bronchitis • Sore throats (except for those resulting from strep throat) • How do I know when an illness is caused by a viral or bacterial infection? Sometimes it is very hard to tell. Consult your doctor to be sure. • When do I need to take antibiotics? Antibiotics are very powerful medications. They should only be used when prescribed by a doctor to treat bacterial infections. • Do I need an antibiotic when mucus from the nose changes
They are frequently portrayed as harbingers of disease and death. The news is always reporting about some bacteria or virus such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cholera, the West Nile virus, or E. coli causing illnesses around the world. Throughout modern and ancient times alike, these unseen organisms have caused the deaths of millions of people.
There are two types of germs that cause most infections: bacteria and viruses. Bacterial infections can be cured by antibiotics, but common viral infections never are. BACTERIA: Bacteria are very tiny organisms that are found naturally in many places such as soil, plants, water, and the human body. There are numerous types of bacteria. Most bacteria are harmless and many are helpful. However, some bacteria can cause infections in humans like strep throat and urinary tract infections. VIRUSES: Viruses are tiny parasites that rely on nutrients inside cells to function and reproduce. They can cause many infections in humans, including the common cold and many other respiratory illnesses.
Bacteria are single-celled organisms usually found all over the inside and outside of our bodies, except in the blood and spinal fluid. Many bacteria are not harmful. In fact, some are actually beneficial. However, disease-causing bacteria trigger illnesses, such as strep throat and some ear infections. Viruses are even smaller than bacteria. A virus cannot survive outside the body’s cells. It causes illnesses by invading healthy cells and reproducing.
