Infection: Bacterial or viral? - Mayo Clinic
Feb 4, 2023 · Viruses. Viruses are bits of genetic information, either RNA or DNA, surrounded by protein. A virus needs a living host, such as a person, plant or animal. To spread, a virus gets into a host's body and then into the host's cells. Then it takes over the host cell's machinery, using it to make more of the virus. Diseases caused by viruses include:
Germs: Protect against bacteria, viruses and infections
Mar 5, 2024 · Viruses are responsible for causing many diseases, including: Common cold. Influenza. Measles. Chickenpox and shingles. Coronavirus disease 2019, also called COVID-19. Antibiotics kill or block activities bacteria need to live or grow, but antibiotics don't work on viruses. Medicine that treats viral infections is called an antiviral.
Infectious diseases - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Feb 18, 2022 · Infectious diseases can be caused by: Bacteria. These one-cell organisms are responsible for illnesses such as strep throat, urinary tract infections and tuberculosis. Viruses. Even smaller than bacteria, viruses cause a multitude of diseases ranging from the common cold to …
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Jan 7, 2022 · Inhaling viruses — the most likely form of transmission — when they become airborne from disturbed rodent droppings or nesting materials; Eating food contaminated with mouse saliva, urine or droppings; Touching things contaminated with the virus, such as a nest, and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose; Being bitten or scratched by an ...
Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo …
Jan 18, 2022 · The flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as: Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection. Nausea, vomiting or both. Stomach cramps and ...
Fever - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
May 7, 2022 · Is irritable, vomits repeatedly, has a severe headache, sore throat, stomachache or other symptoms causing a lot of discomfort. Has a fever after being left in a hot car. Seek medical care immediately. Has a fever that lasts longer than …
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Symptoms and causes
These viruses cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads most commonly through the air in tiny droplets of fluid between people in close contact.
Common cold - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
May 24, 2023 · Many viruses can cause a common cold. Rhinoviruses are the most common cause. A cold virus enters the body through the mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can spread by: Droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. Hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Oct 4, 2023 · Because RSV and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are both types of respiratory viruses, some symptoms of RSV and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be similar. In children, COVID-19 often results in mild symptoms such …
Diarrhea - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Aug 3, 2024 · Viruses. Viruses that can cause diarrhea include Norwalk virus, also known as norovirus, enteric adenoviruses, astrovirus, cytomegalovirus and viruses that cause hepatitis. Rotavirus is a common cause of sudden childhood diarrhea.