Bacterial And Viral Infections

Infections can be caused by organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Though there are many bacteria which are good for the body, some of them can be infectious and can become life-threatening. Good bacteria help us digest food, fights disease-causing cells and provide vitamins too. On the other hand, bad bacteria reproduce quickly in our bodies and gives out toxins. Viruses are smaller than bacteria and cannot survive without a host. How do bacteria spread in our body? Bacteria can enter our bodies through- Cuts and scratchesrnPolluted waterrnInteraction with an infected personrnBy touching dirty taps, toilet handles, etc.rnDrinking or eating with an infected personrnHow do viruses spread?rnCoughsrnVomitingrnSneezingrnAnimal or insect bitesrnThrough sexual intercourse with an infected personrnSymptoms of such infectionsrnFeverrnCold and coughrnFatiguernDiarrhearnMuscle achesrnPreventionrnWash your hands thoroughly before and after having meals, and after using the toilet.rnDon’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands.rnCover your mouth and nose whenever going out of the house.rnDo not share personal items like toothbrush, comb and razor.rnDon’t share utensils with an infected person.rnEat fresh fruits and vegetables. Wash them properly before consuming them.rnGet proper vaccination. Infectious diseases like measles and chicken pox can be prevented by taking vaccines at the right time. Taking good care of the hygiene and sanitation can also keep you away from a number of viral and bacterial infections. Mild infections can be treated by antibiotics. But in viral infections, antibiotics may not work. Antibiotics do not work on viral infections because these viruses hide inside cells, thus making it difficult for the antibiotics to attack them. Vaccination has successfully reduced diseases like polio, measles and chickenpox. Vaccines can also prevent flu, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and other infectious diseases.