Alberta Written Barber Practice Exam

What is a key difference between viruses and bacterial infections?

1. Viruses can be treated with antibiotics

2. Bacterial infections cause longer illnesses

3. Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics

4. Bacterial infections spread faster than viruses

The correct answer is: Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics

The key difference between viruses and bacterial infections is that viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are designed to target specific biological processes in bacteria, effectively killing them or inhibiting their growth. However, viruses operate differently; they require a host's cells to replicate and do not have the cellular structure that antibiotics target. As a result, antiviral medications, which are specifically developed to inhibit viral replication, are used to treat viral infections instead. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective treatment and public health. Since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, their misuse can contribute to antibiotic resistance. This knowledge is vital for both healthcare providers and patients to ensure the correct treatment approaches for different types of infections.