Viruses represent microscopic organisms with a parasitic nature. They can be divided into 4 following types: helical, complex, enveloped and icosahedral. They stay inactive when they are in the air but with entering a host’s body become active and share a symbiotic relationship with its host. They trigger an illness in the organism of a host by such an intrusion.

Mucous membrane cells represent the most vulnerable cells in the organism and therefore they are attacked first. That is why colds and flu and some other infections are the most frequent. With entering a body virus hides behinds the cells and therefore makes it hard to be detected and fought. But the infection begins to spread then and an organism produces antibodies to fight it and kill.

Bacteria, in their turn, do not need a host to perform the task. They are asexual and are able to reproduce by themselves. The air is filled with different bacteria and not all of them are harmful. They are differentiated according to their form: bacilli, spirochaetes, cocci and vibrio. The organism is able to produce plenty of antibodies to fight the bacterial infection; frequently antibiotic help is required as well. As it has already been said, bacteria do not require a host, act on their own accord and therefore are able to be killed by antibiotics.

There are also other facts important to know about viral and bacterial infections. The former usually stay in the organism for 10 days when the latter can be present up to a fortnight before it is got rid of.

Viral infection symptoms are runny nose, dry cough, watery eyes, sore throat and constant joint pains. Bacterial infections are characterized by continuously high temperature, a persistent cough and a thick nose discharge.

It is also essential to keep in mind that most antibiotics are presupposed for bacteria elimination and are unable to kill viruses; the only thing they can do is to relieve the symptoms of a viral infection a bit.

Nowadays there are a lot of effective vaccinations against the most harmful bacteria and viruses. But it is also true that however hard you try the chances to avoid all the bacteria and infection are nonexistent as there are so many of these organisms. There are no certain preventive measures for any infection case but it is important to be informed about the difference between the two infections – viral and bacterial – in order to proceed with the proper treatment.

The reason of the condition is a tick that transmits the infection. The types of ticks differ from region to region and therefore they have different names. Still, be it the ‘deer tick’, the ‘black-legged tick’, the ‘western black-legged tick’,  the ‘lone star tick’, and even the ‘dog tick’ – all of them are able to cause Lyme disease. Biting insects are also capable of transmitting the illness but to a rarest extent.

The condition has the following symptoms: a raised rash, “bull’s-eye” rash, or a ring of inflamed skin around the initial bite. Further on it is followed by a fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pains; and if neglected the condition can lead to meningitis, tremors, pains, hallucinations and memory loss. The symptoms usually show up during a fortnight but in some cases can take a month; and in other cases can be unnoticeable which complicates the diagnosis.

The illness is mostly treated with antibiotics during the period of 3-4 weeks. The therapy course requires to be completed in order the drug can produce the full effect. In some severe cases the combination of drugs is used and the treatment is prolonged in time. The most common medications for the condition are oral doxycycline, amoxicillin or cephalosporin; or injections of benzylpenicillin, cefotaxime or ceftriaxone are used either.

In terms of prevention there isn’t much you can do except than watch out. Be very careful going out into the forest or into the wild in general and abstain from tick infested areas. Make sure your clothes protect you; try walking trails when hiking and check your kids and pets for ticks after every outing.

• Antibiotics refer to antimicrobials as well as antifungals, antiprotozoals and antivirals. But unlike antivirals antibiotics fight bacteria and not viruses (a bacterium lives and reproduces while a virus is just a piece of DNA or RNA and therefore there is nothing to kill in the latter case). There are different kinds of antibiotics purposed for killing certain types of bacteria.
• In earlier ages mouldy foods or soil were used in the purposes to fight infections. Antibiotics became known only in the 20^th century. Nowadays there are differentiated two groups: broad spectrum antibiotics and narrow spectrum ones. The former indicate the killer for many different types of bacteria; the latter are intended for only a small bacteria group.
• The mode of administration presupposes antibiotics to be taken during the whole time of treatment for the medication to produce effect. It is a mistake to stop the course with the first symptoms of improvement as the infection can return or the bacteria will work out resistance to a drug. It is also important to read the medication label carefully as the effectiveness of some drugs can be reduced if they are taken with food.
• Antibiotics are considered safe drugs but as any medication they are able to produce some adverse effects. Among them stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea. In some people they sometimes evoke allergic reaction. Among other drawbacks – bacterial resistance; in this case another type of antibiotic should be taken.
• As antibiotics are intended to kill bacteria it often happens that together with so-called bad bacteria so-called good ones get killed.
• Antibiotics can cause diarrhea and the probability is higher if the administration is long-term. In case you have such a side effect better consult your doctor on the account. Another side effect is yeast overgrowth.
• Once again the following cases are not cured with the help of antibiotics: colds, flu, runny nose, particular ear infections, sore throats, coughs and bronchitis, stomach flu.
• They are used in the following conditions: sinus infections, strep throat, infections of urinary tract, skin and wound infections, some ear infections as well.
• There are cases when it is hard to tell whether the illness is due to bacteria or viruses. In this case a test called a culture is carried out. Then, is bacteria were detected as a cause a choice of antibiotic is made by a doctor according to his or her professional experience and knowledge.
• What concerns antibiotic resistance it happens when bacteria change in such a way that they stop reacting to a drug and it becomes ineffective. As a result bacteria grow and multiply further leading to longer and more severe illness; in this case stronger and more toxic antibiotics are required.

Soaps also differ in the way what they are intended for. Antibacterial soap is one special kind in the line of soaps. It is special because it contains chemicals for killing bacteria. We are surrounded by bacteria all the time and although for the most part we are resistant there still is a necessity to be somehow protected. Still, the only important fact to remember about antibacterial products is that they are intended to protect against bacteria and not viruses; and this is different. The main components of antibacterial soap are chemicals. They proved to be effective but at the same time they have some drawbacks as well. Such chemical substances as triclosan and alcohol are the most popular but their frequent usage is fraught with consequences. Our body needs some amount of friendly bacteria and the excessive usage of antibacterial soap can influence them; triclosan is also known to cause bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.

The topic of antibacterial soap has brought up a lot of discussion. It is supposed to be effective against bacteria (and confirmed by some investigations) but it has nevertheless been proved by FDA that products of such kind can not provide any special protection from infection. No more that a normal bar of soap. The latter, actually, still stays the best hygiene means.

The main thing about antibacterial products is that they are intended to kill bacteria. And they are not the same with viruses due to which we suffer from colds and flu and other diseases. The two notions are usually got confused.

Antibacterial products also contain various chemicals purposed to deal with different bacteria. For instance, triclocarbon works differently from triclosan as the former is able to gather in the environment while the later is able to make bacteria immune to antibiotics.

Moreover, antibacterial products have one more flaw: some of them are not strong enough to kill all the bacteria. Therefore the weak ones are killed and the strong ones stay and become resistant to the antibacterial product effect.

There is also one more aspect of the antibacterial products topic. In a natural environment it is quite normal for a person to be surrounded by various types of bacteria and we adapt to them and work out resistance to them. But for the person who used to live in a sterile surroundings and antibacterial product world there is a danger of having trouble with those bacteria that do not present any problem for other people. Perhaps, it would be wiser not to try too hard with creating a too sterile world around children in particular as it can lead later to allergies and eczema.

People should also keep in mind that some bacteria present inside the body and on the skin are very useful and their removal is not favourable but also harmful. Therefore it is not really necessary to substitute normal soaps and cleansers with antibacterial ones. Soapy water or bleach solution will be quite enough for disinfection and a little soap will do no wrong to your face. Be careful and do not believe every word they say in advertisements.

Moreover, it is only beneficial if your intestines are full of good bacteria as they do a great favour to the organism. People are not aware of the fact that about 100 trillion bacteria and other microorganisms take part in the process of digestion and that they amount to 3-5 pounds of weight in our digestive tract.

Bacteria that are helpful in the improvement of immune system are called in general probiotics. They are found in acidophilus or cultured milk, some yogurts and fermented foods. They can also be found as a supplement if you are on severe therapy with antibiotics. These bacteria relieves irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating and gas.

Good, or friendly bacteria, are also differentiated into two groups. Their task is to assist with the digestive process and intensify vitamin production. They are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium. The former live in small intestine and vagina; they are remarkable for Vitamin K and lactase production. The latter are very essential for the digestion as they do not let harmful bacteria to multiply and make immune system stronger and more resistant. They are found in GI tract and vagina.

It is vital for some amount of good bacteria to be present in our intestines. Their work is closely connected with the functioning of immune system. Otherwise our organism will become vulnerable and more prone to the influence of infections.

Other sides of favourable bacteria influence are that they normalize bowel movements and assist with digestion process. They also protect an organism from the risk of asthma to some extent. Bacteria and microorganisms help in the cases of acne, eczema or psoriasis; lessen the risk of food and seasonal allergies.

If you want to preserve a good bacteria balance in your organism avoid the following things: antibiotics if there is no urgent need for them; stress and tension. Do not administer antacids or laxatives as well as foods and beverages with high sugar content, also refrain from taking some prescription drugs.

Keep in mind that there should be a balance in your organism between good and bad bacteria and if there is no then it is a result of your lifestyle and foods you eat. Do not forget about probiotics and review your eating habits.