Most germs fall into four main groups: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The most common germs that cause us to be sick are bacteria and viruses. Although they’re both germs, they’re very different creatures that are battled in different ways.
Bacteria are tiny organisms made of just one cell. They take nutrients from their environment, which is sometimes inside the human body. Bacteria can cause many types of infections that make us sick.
Have you ever had a bacterial infection? If you’ve experienced tonsillitis, strep throat, cavities, or ear infections, then the answer is yes! In these cases, doctors may prescribe an antibiotic. This medicine can help your body fight off the germs that caused the infection.
Not all bacteria are bad for us, though. Some bacteria are helpful and necessary for us to stay healthy. For example, there are good bacteria that live in our intestines. They help keep our bodies in balance by aiding in digestion. They help us make better use of the nutrients in our food and turn what’s left over into waste.
Bacteria can grow outside the human body. Viruses, on the other hand, need to be inside living cells to grow and reproduce. Viruses are even smaller than bacteria. If they’re not inside a human being, plant, or animal, they won’t survive for long.
When viruses get inside of a living thing (called a host), they invade and take over cells. They use these cells to reproduce and spread throughout the host. Viruses can cause a variety of illnesses, including chickenpox, measles, and the flu. Even COVID-19 is caused by a virus. Unlike bacteria, there are no helpful viruses for your body.
If you have an illness caused by a virus, you often have to let the illness run its course. Antibiotics rarely work against viruses as they do against bacteria. The body’s own natural defenses will usually overcome viruses if given enough time. It’s important to take care of your body while it’s fighting a virus. Drink lots of fluids, get plenty of rest, and treat whatever symptoms you can with over-the-counter medicines.
It’s no fun to be sick. A visit to the doctor’s office may or may not result in a prescription for medicine that will kill the germs causing your illness. Of course, a doctor’s job is never easy. Some illnesses, like pneumonia, meningitis, and diarrhea, can be caused by both bacteria and viruses! In these cases, it can be difficult to find the right diagnosis.
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