Plain and simple, bacteria and viruses are germs—tiny, living organisms that can cause disease. Germs are so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. Bacteria and viruses invade your body without notice, and you don’t know you’ve been attacked until you feel the symptoms of the infections and diseases they cause. Bacteria and viruses, however, are not one in the same.
There are thousands of species of bacteria—tiny, single-cell creatures that get nutrients from their surrounding environments in order to live. Bacteria live in or on just about everything including air, water, soil, etc. In fact, each square centimeter of your skin averages about 100,000 bacteria. Bacteria can reproduce inside or outside of your body, and not all are bad you. Some bacteria are used to produce vital medicines and vaccines, while bacteria found in your small intestine help your body to maximize the nutrients in the food you eat. But many bacteria are harmful to you and your family, causing dangerous conditions such as:
- Ear infection
- Strep throat
- Pneumonia
- Tooth decay
There are also thousands of viruses found in or on just about everything. Viruses, however, are much different than bacteria. Unlike bacteria, viruses need to be inside living cells to grow and reproduce. Most viruses can't survive if they are outside a living being, so they have evolved to infect every form of life—from your body to bacteria themselves. In fact, the largest virus is only as big as the smallest bacteria. Viruses take over the reproductive systems of the living beings they inhabit, so when a virus invades your body, it quickly spread and can make you sick. Viruses are known to cause:
- Flu
- Chicken pox
- Measles
It is impossible to rid your home of bacteria and viruses. But Aprilaire makes a series of products that can help combat bacteria and viruses—and the threats they present—to you and your family.
Build Green, Live Green
