Viruses

Viruses have been around for a long time.

• Yes! There is evidence that from Egyptian mummies that they existed.

• No! Viruses came with modern technology and the Industrial Revolution.

Are viruses alive?

• Yes, they're just like bacteria and other single-celled organisms.

• No, they're microbes but not considered living organisms.

Viruses have genetic material in the form of DNA or RNA.

• Absolutely

• No way

What creates the antibodies?

• The virus so that you get infected.

• The host's cells so they can can attack the virus.

• Vaccines so you don't have to make them yourself.

Answer explanation

Your own body must made the antibodies once an invading virus is detected. Vaccines only expose your body to the pathogen, or parts of it, so your body can use the information to make the antibodies.

Why does washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water kill a virus?

• They are hydrophobic.

• Soap breaks down their fatty membranes.

• Water will make them slide off your hands.

Which of three of these are cells in your immune system?

• leukocytes

• phagocyte

• lymphocyte

• antibody

Answer explanation

Antibodies aren't cells; they're proteins made by cells.

Which type of doctor specializes in infectious diseases?

• oncologist

• urologist

• virologist

• cardiologist

Answer explanation

Oncologist = cancer doctor

Urologist = urinary system doctor

Cardiologist = heart doctor

What is herd immunity?

• People become immune to an virus after interacting with herd animals such as cows.

• Enough people in the group that have immunity so it’s difficult for the virus to spread at all.

• Immunity that you get after you get a vaccine.

Answer explanation

Which is NOT a "germ" that can cause disease?

• protozoa

• bacteria

• fungus

• virus

• They are all germs.

What evidence is there that vaccines can (almost) eliminate a disease? (Check all that apply.)

• Vaccines for small pox where given to enough people so that by 1980, there were no known cases of it.

• Polio has been eliminated in the US because of the polio vaccine.

• Flu vaccines have eliminated seasonal flus.