2. Bacteria & Viruses Definition, Infections,Treatment

3. What are viruses? Viruses are too small to be seen by the naked eye. No cells; not living Viruses are parasites. They can't multiply on their own, so they have to invade a 'host' cell and take over its machinery in order to be able to make more virus particles.

4. What IS Bacteria Bacteria are organisms made up of just one cell. They are capable of multiplying by themselves, as they have the power to divide. Bacteria exist everywhere, inside and on our bodies. Most of them are completely harmless and some of them are very useful. But some bacteria can cause diseases, either because they end up in the wrong place in the body or simply because they are 'designed' to invade us. Some types of bacteria have been found to live in temperatures above the boiling point and in cold below freezing point.

5. Spread of Viral & Bacterial Diseases Viral and bacterial infections are both spread in basically the same ways. A person with a cold can spread the infection by coughing and/or sneezing. Bacteria or viruses can be passed on by touching or shaking hands with another person. Touching food with dirty hands will also allow viruses or bacteria from the intestine to spread.

6. Illnesses/infections caused by Viruses: Influenza, common cold, stomach flu, pneumonia, ear infections, HIV/AIDS, herpes, warts, dengue, West Nile Virus, encephalitis

7. Illnesses/infections caused by bacteria: Salmonellosis, tuberculosis, food poisoning, dysentery, bronchitis, ear infections, strep throat/ tonsillitis, pneumonia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia

8. How to avoid infection Wash your hands thoroughly (often one of the best ways to avoid catching a cold). Shaking hands with someone who has a cold is risky, so avoid rubbing your eyes or nose afterwards. Food should be cooked or cooled down as quickly as possible. Vegetables and meat must be stored separately and prepared on separate chopping boards. Meat should preferably be served well-done. Remember that food with these invisible organisms does not necessarily smell bad. Some organisms are killed as the food is cooked, but they can still leave toxic substances that may cause diarrhoea and vomiting.

9. Treatment of Bacterial iNfection Bacterial infections are usually treated with a special antibiotic, which only kills the bacterium that has caused the disease.

10. Treatment of Viral Infection Viruses can't multiply until they are inside the body's cells. This is the reason why the treatment of virus infections is usually left up to the patient's own immune system, although it may be hard to accept when the doctor says the only cure is for 'nature to take its course'. Drinking plenty of water is good Staying at home. People who go to work or school in this condition not only risk spreading the virus to their colleagues but also run a higher risk of catching a bacterial infection