What is the difference between bacteria and viruses?
• Bacteria are single-celled organisms usually found all over the inside and outside of our bodies, except in the blood and spinal fluid. Many bacteria are not harmful. In fact, some are actually beneficial. However, disease-causing bacteria trigger illnesses, such as strep throat and some ear infections, pneumonia, and sinus infections. Antibiotics can work. • Viruses are even smaller than bacteria. A virus cannot survive outside the body’s cells. It causes illnesses by invading healthy cells and reproducing. Viruses cause the common cold, most coughs and the flu. Antibiotics don’t work.
