Have you ever wondered why do we get sick? Here are five valuable viruses facts for kids.
A virus is a tiny infectious agent that can only reproduce inside the cells of other living organisms. They are smaller than most bacteria and are not considered living organisms because they cannot survive or reproduce on their own. They need a host cell to replicate and multiply.
Viruses can cause a wide range of illnesses in humans and animals, such as the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19. They can also cause more severe illnesses such as measles, polio, and AIDS. Some viruses can also cause diseases in plants and animals.
Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and can only be seen with an electron microscope. They are usually between 0.02 and 0.3 micrometers in size, while bacteria are typically between 1 and 10 micrometers in size.
Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics, as antibiotics only work on bacteria. Antiviral medications can be used to treat some viral infections, but not all viruses can be treated in this way.
Vaccines can help protect against some viral infections, by teaching the body how to recognize and fight the virus. A vaccine works by introducing a small, harmless part of the virus into the body, which triggers the immune system to create a response. This response helps the body to recognize and fight the virus if it’s encountered again in the future. Not all viruses have vaccines, but scientists are always working on developing new vaccines to protect against different types of viruses.
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