Is Coronavirus A Bacteria Or Virus

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many questions have arisen relating to the disease’s origin, spread, nature, symptoms, and precautions among many other queries. One such question is whether the COVID-19 is a viral or a bacterial infection? It is significant to know what is the nature of the disease with which we are all trying to fight. This article aims at answering all your questions on the nature of the coronavirus infection which has brought the entire globe to a standstill.

COVID-19: A Virus or a Bacterial Infection?

Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease. It is caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, and not by bacteria. 

The new coronavirus that causes COVID -19 disease is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov 2). However, there are several other kinds of coronaviruses. Some of them cause illnesses in humans. 

The pandemic declared coronavirus is a viral infection as ascertained by the following points:

Coronavirus Cannot Function Without Interacting With A Living Cell

Coronavirus disease is a viral infection as, unlike bacteria, coronavirus cannot function without interacting with a living cell. By itself, it cannot do anything and require a host cell to replicate. If the virus is left untouched on any surface, they can not survive permanently and thus survive only up to a specific time period. For instance, it typically lasts on glass for 5 days, on wood for 4 days, on plastic/stainless steel for 3 days, on cardboard for 24 hours and on copper surfaces for 4 hours.

Coronavirus Symptoms Are Similar to Other Viral Infections

If we compare the symptoms of COVID-19 with other respiratory illnesses like Influenza, we find that the symptoms of a virus-infected disease and COVID-19 are similar.

Common symptoms of the coronavirus disease include fever, cold, shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, diarrhea, tiredness, vomiting, shortness of breath, muscle ache and sore throat.

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It’s important to know that the severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. Depending on the age and medical history, some people may have no symptoms, whereas others may have mild or severe symptoms.

People with old age and existing chronic medical conditions such as severe obesity, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, chronic liver, or kidney disease are at a higher risk of contracting this contagious disease. In addition, people with weak immunity are also more vulnerable to being infected with COVID-19.

Antibiotics Are Ineffective Against Coronavirus

Probably the most significant difference between diseases caused by viruses and bacteria is the effect of antibiotics in the treatment of the disease. While antibiotics can kill the bacteria, they prove to be ineffective against viruses.

And thus in the case of the coronavirus also, antibiotics have proved to be ineffective in combating the diseases.

Coronavirus hijacks human cells to create millions of more versions of itself

The harmful after effects found inside the body of COVID-19 patients are similar to those caused by a viral infection and not a bacterial infection. 

Generally, when a virus enters a human body, it invades some of the healthy cells in the body, taking over the cell machinery and redirecting it to produce more versions of itself. And the same is true for the coronavirus infection.

Based on the above-mentioned points, medical experts have concluded that the deadly coronavirus disease which has killed more than 3.5 lakh people worldwide and has infected over 5.5 million people across the globe so far is a viral infection.

Note - If you have any symptoms above, do not get confused between a viral or bacterial infection. Instead, immediately seek an appointment with a doctor or contact government authorities for medical help. Also, keep practicing social distancing and keep yourself and your surroundings clean and disinfected from the coronavirus.

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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.