Differences between Bacteria Viruses What is bacteria Bacteria

Differences between Bacteria & Viruses

What is bacteria? • Bacteria are organisms that live in balance in, on and around us every day. • Some bacteria help bodily functions happen.

How do bacteria cause infection? • A bacterial infection can occur when the amount of bacteria goes above the normal level. • OR when harmful bacteria invade your body through an opportunity. • While there are thousands of types of bacteria, only a few kinds actually cause disease.

Diseases caused by bacteria • • Strep throat Sinusitis Urinary tract infection Pneumonia

How do you treat bacteria? • Antibiotics kill bacteria by interrupting their ability to multiply. – This happens by breaking down the cell wall. • This gives your body’s defenses a chance to catch up and overtake the bacteria.

What is a virus? • A virus is a tiny organism that causes an infection in the body. • In order for a virus to survive, it must attach itself to a living cell. Then is uses that cell to produce more virus particles.

What happens when the cell dies? • 2 things can happen when the host cell dies – 1. The virus dies along with it – 2. New types of virus result and are released into your system to infect other cells.

Diseases caused by viruses • • • The Flu A cold Ebola Measels Chicken Pox

How do you treat a virus? • There is no cure for a virus. • The only treatment is to treat the symptoms. – Example – for a cold you treat the stuffy nose or cough to help you feel better – Example – for a cold sore you put medicine on it to keep it from spreading or hurting as bad.

White Blood Cells Defends the body against bacteria and viral infections Manufactured in the bone marrow

Differences between a Virus & Bacteria • Bacterial infections are usually localized (in one area) • Viral infections are generally systemic (effecting the entire body)