Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and cannot reproduce outside living cells.

They need a host, such as a human or an animal or a plant. Airborne viruses are spread by sneezing, coughing, etc; while others, like HIV, need specific contact – and they can lie in wait for a host to come along – for instance, on door handles.

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All of us have at some time been host to a virus – colds, flu, the measles and chicken pox are all caused by viruses. Like bacteria, they can enter our bodies through a cut or wound or by inhalation, eating and drinking. Once inside, they invade a host cell and then start reproducing, and invading other cells.

Antibiotics cannot cure viral infections – that’s why there still is no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics can only be used to treat secondary bacterial infections that are the result of the viral infection, e.g. the flu virus can ultimately lead to a lung infection, which will respond to antibiotics.

(Susan Erasmus, Health24)
 

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