Some viruses can be mild, and some can be deadly. Viruses such as rhinitis and gastroenteritis can be treated easily but some like malaria and the ebola virus can be fatal. Viruses are microscopic pathogenic particles so small that they can only be seen through an electron microscope. A virus particle, or a virion, consists of a strand of nucleic acid, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a capsid (protein coat). Some have a membrane of lipid (envelope) surrounding the protein, providing an extra layer of protein. Viruses are transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, sweat and even excrement. Once the bodily fluids have been introduced to a body, the pathogens will search for breaks in the skin so that they may enter the body. Viruses don’t have the chemical …show more content…
Once the cell has been completely replicated, they are released from the cell to further transmit the disease. Prevention of a virus can be acquired through naturally acquired active immunity or artificially acquired immunity. Naturally acquired active immunity is where immune system has a chance to destroy the virus particles before they can enter a cell. The virus’ antigens alert the immune system to produce white blood cells to prevent the virus from spreading. White blood cells are the type of cells that are used to ward off any foreign pathogens in the body. The two white blood cells, phagocytes and lymphocytes, are alerted by the virus’ presence due to its glycoprotein markers, or antigens, that are surrounding the virus. The antibodies then attack then attack the virus and destroy the foreign substance. This immune response has a lasting advantage because the immune system will remember the foreign antigen and should the virus invade the body again, the immune system will produce antibodies to destroy it in a higher concentration and in a quicker