Germ virus

Recently, President Trump said that "one of the biggest problems the world has is the germ has gotten so brilliant that the antibiotic can't keep up with it.

The hint about what the coronavirus is lies in the name—it's a virus. Antibiotics won't "keep up with it" because they're not meant to fight viruses; they fight bacterial infections. So, what is the difference between germs, viruses, and bacteria? Let's clear that up. What are germs? The word germ comes from the Latin word germen, which means seed or sprout. The idea that disease-spreading organisms could pass from person to person existed as far back as ancient Greece.

But before germ theory became widely accepted in the late 19th century, not all scientists believed in the idea of germs. In the Middle Ages—including during the time of the Black Death —the idea that tiny invisible things could make you sick if they touched you seemed far-fetched. Back then, the prevailing theory about how diseases spread was miasma theory. It held that rotting organic matter created a vaporous mist filled with disease-causing particles.

It was believed that being in an area where "bad air" was present was the cause of disease. Of course, we know that sanitation is important for controling the spread of disease. Although miasma theory got it wrong, the idea itself led to reforms and better sanitation.

In fact, famous Crimean War nurse Florence Nightengale was a proponent of miasma theory. Her idea that foul-smelling vapors caused illness led to hospital sanitary reforms. In the late s, germ theory became widely accepted, thanks mainly to the experiments of Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch. Instead, disease-causing objects are referred to by what type they are.

Viruses and bacteria are types of germs, as are certain types of fungi, protists, and prions. Bacteria Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that live pretty much anywhere and everywhere, from the tops of mountains to the deepest sea vents. There are bacteria that live in water, soil, the air, clouds , your carpet, the ocean, and inside your body.

A spiritual help guide for loss, anxiety and more. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Get the latest COVID news, important information and updates from health care providers and experts. Return to previous page The difference between germs, bacteria and viruses Thursday, May 28, To prevent these diseases, one needs to develop a defence against the germs, through vaccines and better immunity.

According to the theory, diseases can strike anybody. Another theory, the Terrian Theory, however, argues that disease is caused by the germs present inside the body, which make a person sick when their body is already suffering from other conditions. This theory advocates that diseases are caused due to poor health, and building a healthy body is the only effective prevention technique.

Given the information we have about the coronavirus, it seems that the coronavirus adheres to the Germ Theory of Disease. The novel coronavirus is a new strand of virus, which was found recently in China. The origin of the virus has been traced to bats, and pangolins have been identified as the 'missing link' or the mammal carrier of the virus to humans. As the coronavirus has travelled through various living organisms and has caused illness to humans, the germ theory holds true in the case of the virus that has caused a global pandemic.

Another way that the coronavirus pandemic is linked with the theory is the fact that researchers from all over the world are trying to find a vaccine against the virus. Various vaccines like those for HIV, Tuberculosis, etc. However, given the fact that experts say and recommend people with existing conditions to stay indoors, and be extra careful, does link the coronavirus pandemic to the Terrain Theory at some level.

Viruses also are capable of infecting any living thing, including bacteria and fungi. How to treat viruses. How bacteria makes us sick. How to treat bacterial infections. How fungi makes us sick. Commensal fungus, may play a beneficial role in our overall health. Other fungal infections can be caused by an overgrowth of commensal fungus. How to treat fungal infections. Tags: Expert Advice.

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