Understanding What a Virus Is
A virus is a tiny infectious agent that can only reproduce by entering a living cell. On its own, it cannot grow, move, or make copies. It relies completely on the cells it infects.
How a Virus Works
When a virus enters the body, it attaches to a specific type of cell and injects its genetic material. The cell is then reprogrammed to create more copies of the virus instead of doing its normal work.
How Viruses Spread
Viruses can spread through the air, physical contact, contaminated surfaces, or bodily fluids. Every virus has its preferred method depending on how it survives and reaches new hosts.
The Immune Response
When the body detects a virus, the immune system activates to fight it. White blood cells look for infected cells, antibodies target the virus, and the body works to clear the infection.
The Simple Takeaway
A virus is a small agent that needs living cells to reproduce. It spreads by moving from one host to another and hijacking cells to make copies of itself.