The difference between bacteria and viruses

Bacteria and viruses are all around us in our everyday lives. Both of them can cause us to get sick. They are very small and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Though the two are different from one another in a lot of ways. 

Bacteria can be both good and bad for the body. In your stomach there is good bacteria that helps to keep you from getting sick. Bacteria is made up of only one cell. This single cell can survive outside of the body. Bacteria can live in a range of temperatures. It can be found on surfaces and in the environment. When bacteria makes us sick it is usually local and does not spread throughout the body. Bacteria that cause us to get sick can be treated with antibiotics. These drugs kill the bacteria and stop the infection from getting worse. Some sicknesses caused by bacteria include strep throat and food poisoning. 

Viruses are different from bacteria. These are even smaller. Viruses require your body to stay alive. They take over the cells in your body and use them to spread the virus. This can cause the sickness to spread throughout the body. Since they need your body to live, they die if on a surface too long. Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work against viruses like they do against bacteria. Viruses can cause the common cold, the flu and COVID-19.  There are lots of easy ways to avoid getting sick. Wash your hands and clean surfaces that are touched frequently. Remember to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Lastly, wear a mask in public to reduce the spread through the air. All of these actions can be beneficial for everyone’s health in the community.