The difference between bacteria and viruses explained simply
Especially in the cold season, we encounter them more frequently: bacteria and viruses. After the coronavirus, almost everyone knows about these often harmful invaders, but what actually distinguishes a bacterium from a virus? There is a central difference between Bacteria and Viruses. However, how we can protect ourselves from them is the same for both, namely with a strong Immune system.
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What are viruses and bacteria actually?
Both viruses and bacteria are microscopic pathogens that can harm us and overwhelm our immune system enormously. A virus is a contagious pathogen that needs a living cell to replicate. Viruses consist only of DNA or RNA and proteins they need to enter a cell. In contrast, a bacterium is a single-celled organism that can self-sustain. It produces what it needs to live and has its own genetic material.
And what are fungi then?
In addition to a virus or bacterium, there is a third intruder that can harm us: the fungus. Like bacteria, it consists of a single cell and reproduces through threads that connect to form a fungal network. Our immune system also works at full capacity to combat fungi or mold, keeping them in check and eliminating them.
Viruses vs. Bacteria: What is the difference between bacteria and viruses?
There are numerous differences between bacteria and viruses. Both are tiny, but a virus is much smaller than a bacterium. Viruses are only about 20 to 300 nanometers in size, while bacteria are about 0.1 to 700 micrometers in size. For comparison: one micrometer is equal to 1000 nanometers.
In structure, bacteria and viruses also differ. Viruses are much simpler in structure than bacteria. A bacterium is a living organism with its own cell and metabolism. Viruses are not living organisms. They do not have their own metabolism and mostly consist only of genetic material enclosed by a protein coat.
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Numerous differences between bacteria and viruses: How they behave in our body
Viruses and bacteria behave differently in our bodies because they reproduce in different ways. Bacteria multiply through cell division and leave healthy cells alone. Viruses need a host cell to spread and infect other cells. This means that bacteria harm us through their harmful metabolic byproducts. Viruses, on the other hand, destroy our own cells.
Important: Both types are contagious as long as we still carry the pathogen within us. This can also be the case even after we already feel healthy again.
A distinction is generally made between bacterial and viral infections. The symptoms that occur are not always clear and do not provide any clues as to the type of infection. The classic cold (flu-like infection) is a viral infection caused by respiratory viruses.
Antibiotics only help with bacteria
Have you ever been to the doctor with a cold and they didn't prescribe anything for you? That's because antibiotics only help with bacteria, not viruses. Since viruses do not have cells or metabolism, antibiotics simply do not have a target to act upon.
Bacteria are not inherently bad
Not all bacteria are inherently bad. Many bacteria are actually beneficial to us. For example, they are an important component of the acid mantle on our skin. The acid mantle is a kind of protective shield for the skin. They also play a significant role in our gut. Gut bacteria help in producing and processing important nutrients from food. Especially the gut is crucial for our health, as about 80 percent of the immune system resides in our gut.
A strong immune system protects us - whether it's bacteria or virus
The fact is: There are numerous differences between bacteria and viruses. However, a strong immune system helps us in fighting against both pathogens. It is therefore very important to strengthen the immune system. Especially with children, this can be a challenge, as their immune system is still developing. A healthy diet and plenty of vitamins, lots of exercise outdoors, and sleep support our immune system. Nevertheless, we are never invulnerable because of it.
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