Home
/
NowPatient Blog
/
What is the difference between bacteria and viruses?

What is the difference between bacteria and viruses?

Stefano Mirabello NowPatientGreen tick
Created on 4 Sep 2023
Updated on 16 Jul 2024

Bacteria and viruses are both tiny, microscopic organisms that can make you sick. But what is the difference between these two types of germs? Bacteria are single cells that can multiply and cause infection. Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and need a host cell to reproduce. Viruses can only infect living cells, while bacteria can also infect non-living things like soil or water. Both bacteria and viruses can cause infectious diseases, but viruses are often more deadly. Terms like viruses, bacteria and germs have been used a lot since the coronavirus pandemic. Understanding the differences between bacteria and viruses is important for protecting your health.

What are the 3 major differences between viruses and bacteria ?

Viruses – living or not living?

Viruses are small infectious particles and are not living organisms. They can only grow when they’re in contact with living cells. They don’t have the ability to divide on their own and need an external force for sustenance, like host animals or plants who provide them nutrients while there’s no oxygen available (this is what gives viruses life). The virus only comes alive when it envelops its genetic material in cells of other living things so that’s why some viruses attack plants while others only affect animals or humans. Viruses do not contain a cell wall so their genetic material (RNA or DNA) is enveloped by a protein coat.

Bacteria – living or not living?

These single-celled microorganisms are everywhere, they are living organisms that can be found on our skin or inside of our bodies. Their shapes vary, and doctors use these characteristics to separate them into groups. Bacterial cells have cell walls and everything they need to live including DNA and cellular structures which produce protein. Due to their cell walls, bacteria can multiply by binary fission. The simple metabolism of these microbes provides enough energy for them so as long as there is food around them populations will continue growing.

Size of bacteria and viruses

Both bacteria and viruses are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye but differ in size. Viruses are 10 to 100 times smaller than the smallest bacteria. To put it another way, bacteria can be described as giants next to viruses!

Mode of living and reproducing

Mode of living and reproducing for viruses

All viruses are unable to replicate on their own. They need living hosts such as the human body, plants or animals. They have to enter a living cell of a host and take over the cell’s processes for making new genetic material and proteins. The cell copies the viral genetic material and makes new viral genetic material and proteins. These components assemble into new viruses, which escape from the cell. Some types of viruses cause the complete breakdown of the cell. Other types of viruses leave by pushing through the cell membrane. Both methods damage the cells and this causes disease. The viruses that have left the cell can go on to infect other cells.

Mode of living and reproducing for bacteria

Bacteria are small, single-celled organisms that occur naturally in nearly every environment on Earth. Many people think of bacteria as harmful microorganisms that cause diseases, but there are many different types of bacteria, some of which are beneficial to humans.

In terms of reproduction, bacteria generally reproduce through a process called binary fission. This process begins when the bacterium’s cell walls split in half, creating two separate cells. These cells then grow and divide, creating a new generation of bacteria. This process can happen very quickly, with some bacteria able to double their numbers every few minutes. For binary fission to occur, the bacterium must first reproduce its DNA. It then builds a new cell wall around the DNA, creating two separate cells. The parent bacterium then splits into two, each with its own set of DNA and cell wall. Binary fission is an extremely efficient way for bacteria to reproduce, and it allows them to quickly adapt to new environments and changes in their surroundings.

Are there any similarities between bacteria and viruses?

Yes, in their transmission. Both these pathogens can be spread in similar ways to cause disease:

  • Droplets expelled during coughs/sneezes
  • Close contact with an infectious person (a handshake could transmit germs)
  • Touching your nose, mouth, or eyes after contact with an infected surface ( while handling groceries for example- then proceed on to other tasks without washing hands thoroughly beforehand)
  • Contact with infected body fluids through kissing, sex, urine, or faeces
  • Contact with infected animals or insects such as fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes
  • Transmission from mother to child during birth.

Examples of how infections can spread

Infections such as colds, flu and tuberculosis cause a person to sneeze or cough. This sends droplets containing pathogens into the air. Once in the air, flu viruses can survive for about a day. However, tuberculosis can survive for months in the air and mix with dust that can blow around and infect another person.

Some pathogens spread in water, such as the bacteria that cause cholera and typhoid. We rarely see these diseases because our water is treated to kill pathogens.

Pathogens of the digestive system can spread in food as well as water causing food poisoning. They enter the body through the mouth. Helicobacter bacteria are thought to be spread when people touch other people’s food after touching their mouths or after going to the toilet. The bacteria may also spread on the feet of flies that have fed on infected faeces and landed on food.

How are bacterial and viral infections diagnosed?

It can be difficult to know what causes an infection because viral and bacterial infections can cause similar symptoms and some conditions such as meningitis can be caused by either. It is important to know whether bacteria or viruses cause an infection because the treatments differ.

To determine the cause of your infection your doctor will:

  • Take your medical history
  • Carry out a physical examination
  • Carry out a blood or urine test
  • In rare cases take a sample of tissue for testing

Treatment

Your immune system is equipped to fight off many infectious diseases without treatment. However, if you have a weakened immune system or when the pathogen reproduces faster than the immune system can control it, it begins to harm the body and medication is needed.

Viral infections

Vaccines prevent the spread of viral infections. Antiviral medications help to slow down the reproduction of viruses but can not stop it completely. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.

Examples of viral infections include the flu, herpes simplex virus, chickenpox, the common cold, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Ebola virus, human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV/aids.

Bacterial infections

Antibiotics are used to control bacterial infections. Antivirals are not effective against bacteria.

Examples of bacterial infections include whooping cough, strep throat, ear infections and urinary tract infections.

Now that we’ve taken a look at the two different types of organisms, bacteria and viruses, it’s important to understand that they both need to be treated differently. Bacteria are living things and as such can be killed with antibiotics. However, viruses are not living organisms and cannot be killed with antibiotics- in fact, using antibiotics when you have a viral infection can make your illness worse. Speak to your healthcare professional for medical advice on how to treat an infection caused by bacteria or viruses.

Sources

Medical Disclaimer

NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.

Now Patient Data Security

Data Security

Trusted and certified to keep your data safe.

Learn moreNow Patient Data SecurityNow Patient Data Security

WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT

We are committed to helping everyone, everywhere live healthier lives

The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.

Download our app today

NowPatient dashboard

Your Questions Answered

For your peace of mind, we can answer your questions quickly

What does NowPatient do?

NowPatient is an online pharmacy & telehealth service that is available in the US and UK. Our service is FREE and packed with useful features that can help you save money on the cost of your medications, access virtual treatments, and provide tools that can help improve your overall health.

Get started today and benefit from medication remindersGet Treated PrivatelyNHS online pharmacyGP appointment bookingRx savings cardDrug CouponsUS drug savings programshealth conditions informationgenetic testinghome test kitsBMI RisksType 2 Diabetes Riskspollen meterair quality monitor, and lots more!

Our service is operated by experienced medical professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom. You can view the online services that we provide by clicking Features.

UK users can safely and securely buy medicines online that treat a wide range of medical conditions. UK customers can also order NHS prescriptions online with the benefit of free tracked delivery.

US customers, regardless of insurance coverage, can enjoy huge savings on prescription medications using our various drug savings programs including drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.

Where is NowPatient located?

NowPatient has offices in the United Kingdom and United States.

In the UK, we are located at:

NowPatient
28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR52RA

In the US, we are located at:

NowPatient
8911 North Capital of Texas Highway
Suite 4200 #1263
78759
Austin, TX

How can I contact NowPatient?

To contact NowPatient, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.

Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:

UK telephone number – 020 388 51 500
US telephone number – 1-866-967-1977

Who owns NowPatient?

NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.

Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).

Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?

NowPatient’s Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’.

Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).

Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.

How do I make a complaint?

From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.

Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s prescribing services for treatments offered?

Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:

• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old

NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla.

Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s US services?

Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.

You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.

We do not provide any prescribing services or dispensing services in the United States.

Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?

Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.

NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.

Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:

NowPatient Trustpilot

What are NowPatient’s opening hours?

Our office hours are:

UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST

Please note that we are closed at weekends.

In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:

UK – 999
US – 911

In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:

UK – 111

Find more answers