Viral Viruses
By: Micaela Lyons and Sydney Lott
Viruses
Viruses have either DNA or RNA that is surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid. In some viruses the capsid is surrounded be a lipid memebrane called the envelope. Viruses infect by attaching themselves to the host cell and injecting their DNA or RNA into the cell. then the viruses genetic material takes over the cell and begins to make virus parts. Next, virus parts are turned into viruses and then break free from the cell. The host cell is killed, this process in called cell lysis. All viruses need cell to reproduce, when they injected the DNA or RNA into the cell it reproduces on its own. The viruses are smaller than the cells the infected, and very small compared to the bacteria cells. Viruses are not cells because they have no metabolism, don't reproduce on their own, they are non motile, don't eat, no respiration, and have no cellular structure.
Influenza Virus (Flu)
•Flu Symptoms:
-A 100oF or higher fever or feeling feverish
-A cough and/or sore throat.
-runny or stuffy nose.
-chills
-Fatigue
-nausa, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
• it's spreads from person to person, can infect others up to 6ft away
•The flu can be fatal, however, most cases are not
•Treatments:
-rest
-antiviral drugs
•How to prevent it
-wash hands frequently (use soap and water, or hand sanitizer)
-avoid close contact with ill people
-take antiviral drugs before you get completely sick
-get the flu vaccine annually