Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infections 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
Bacterial vs. viral infections: How do they differ? - Mayo Clinic Viruses that become resistant to antivirals have affected treatment, including for genital herpes, HIV and, in 2008, for influenza (flu) Treating and preventing bacterial and viral infections In some cases, it can be hard to figure out if a bacterial infection or a viral infection is causing your symptoms
Influenza (flu) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Influenza viruses are constantly changing, with new strains appearing often A person's first flu infection gives some long-term protection against similar strains of flu But the vaccines offered each year are made to match the flu virus strains that are most likely to spread that season
Diarrhea - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Causes A number of diseases and conditions can cause diarrhea, including: 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
Bells palsy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Viruses that have been linked to Bell's palsy include viruses that cause: Cold sores and genital herpes, also known as herpes simplex Chickenpox and shingles, also known as herpes zoster Infectious mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus Cytomegalovirus infections Respiratory illnesses, caused by adenoviruses
Common cold - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Causes 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