There are two main types of organisms that cause infections:
- bacteria
- viruses
Bacteria are single-celled organisms with a simple internal structure that can survive in diverse environments, including extreme heat or cold. Most bacteria are harmless and do not cause infection. Some of them help to digest food, destroy microbes that cause disease, and give the body needed vitamins.
Common infections bacteria can cause include:
- Strep throat,
- Tuberculosis,
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Antibiotics, if prescribed and taken correctly, treat bacterial infections, but they are useless against viruses.
Viruses cannot live without a host, such as people, animals and plants. They invade living cells using those cells to multiply and produce other viruses like themselves. This process often damages infected cells. Unlike bacteria, most viruses cause disease.
Viruses can affect many areas in the body, including brain, skin, reproductive and respiratory systems. A viral infection is any illness caused by a virus. Common diseases caused by viruses include:
- Common colds
- Chickenpox
- AIDS
Most colds and flu cases are caused by viruses. Many illnesses, such as diarrhea, pneumonia and meningitis, can be caused by either a virus or a bacterium.
Bacterial and viral infections have many things in common. Both can cause similar symptoms and are spread by things such as:
- Coughs
- Sneezes
- Shared needles
- Contact with infected people, animals, food, water and surfaces
Antibiotics, if prescribed and taken correctly, can kill bacteria, but they are useless against viruses such as the cold and flu.
The new coronavirus is a virus. Thus, antibiotics cannot be used as a means of prevention or treatment. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19.
