Misunderstandings when dealing with the little ones
Viruses do not have a good reputation these days. In conversations with friends or acquaintances, the word “virus” is automatically associated with something negative. Untruths are often spread out of ignorance, which in turn can cause confusion and fear. The word “virus” comes from Latin and means juice, mucus, poison. So “Nomen est Omen?”
First of all: viruses are not bacteria! Humans are actually more closely related to bacteria than viruses are to bacteria. This is because viruses are not life forms at all. Bacteria, on the other hand, are living cells with their own metabolism. But viruses are not as dead as a lump of rock. This is why they are often referred to as “border crossers on the edge of life”.
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Most viruses are harmless
We mostly know viruses as pathogens, which are the causes of various infections and diseases. These pathogens have a firm place in history and have been the cause of great human dramas. However, it was mostly external factors, such as a lack of hygiene or waste disposal, that were ultimately responsible for the diseases. Most viruses coexist peacefully with us and, together with human cells and bacteria, form the actual human being. They are the oldest biological elements on earth. While the first primordial cells emerged 3.8 billion years ago, they were already on our planet 100 million years earlier! They are, so to speak, the “mother of all life forms” and have played a key role in the development of cells. Ironically, however, the mother herself is not counted as a life form.
Half of the human genome consists of virus residues. They have the ability to become part of the genetic material in our cells and to multiply with it.
Viruses live in us in a finely balanced equilibrium. They have no interest in destroying their host. However, if the balance is disturbed from the outside, diseases can develop.
More viruses than stars in the sky
There are more viruses than stars in the sky. Our planet is colonized by about 1033 viruses, 1031 bacteria and 1010 humans. We can explain this with the age of the viruses, but also with their highly adapted way of reproducing. Unlike a bacterium, the virus needs a host: this can be a microorganism or a multicellular organism such as a human being.
Viruses cannot reproduce themselves
Viruses do not have their own metabolism and therefore cannot produce their own building blocks. However, they carry the genetic information for this in their genetic material. Therefore, a virus only has to dock onto a cell and introduce the genetic material into the cell. For this reason, a virus consists only of DNA or RNA and proteins. In the cell, the DNA or RNA of the virus takes over and brings the host’s metabolic systems under its control: the cell becomes a huge virus production machine that ultimately releases tens of thousands of viruses into the environment and bursts itself. This is called the lytic cycle.
However, destruction is not always favorable for the virus. For this reason, it can also be stored in the host’s genetic material and multiply with it. This is called a lysogenic cycle. A virus can also change from a lysogenic cycle to a lytic cycle. The herpes virus is an example of this.
There is no such thing as “virus-free”
Humans are constantly surrounded by viruses in their environment. Just by eating a lettuce leaf, countless of them are introduced into the human body. We are literally swimming in a sea of viruses.
Therefore, the conviction that we can live “virus-free” is a dangerous mistake. To do this, we would have to eliminate our own 10,000 trillion viruses in our bodies and also their remains in our cells, which would inevitably lead to our death. A virus can enter our body through any orifice. With an average size of only 10 to 350 nm, it is small enough to get into even the most hidden corners. It is not enough to cover the mouth and nose with special virus-proof masks, as they can also enter via the eyes. In special laboratories, researchers protect themselves with special suits. But these also harbor dangers because the finest cracks often remain undetected.
For the mass media, viruses are our enemies
Mass media like to use lurid headlines for particularly high click-through rates, creating the impression that we are at “war” with the virus. But that completely misses the truth. We are in a state of equilibrium! And if the balance is disturbed, humans have the most important defense against infections that has enabled them to survive: the immune system.
Our super weapon: the immune system
A body mobilized by sufficient exercise, which is also supplied with all the necessary nutrients, has a highly efficient immune system that offers protection against almost all known pathogens. But the emphasis is on supply! A lack of exercise and a poor diet cause our immune cells to become “sluggish” and the balance is jeopardized. Suddenly, a virus can multiply more than intended because humans have neglected their most important defense weapon, the immune system.
However, it is not necessary to take medication that strengthens the immune system or stimulates the formation of antibodies. The risks of these active substances often far exceed the benefits. It cannot be emphasized often enough: as a rule, people do not need medication! A conscious diet that ensures the supply of all (!) nutrients and sufficient (!) lifelong exercise are enough for most people to strengthen the immune system and thus ensure a long and healthy life.
Our own inertia is our greatest enemy
However, we have forgotten how to look after ourselves and our immune system. We prefer to rely on seemingly quick help from the outside, take medication regularly and thereby cause considerable damage to our body and our cells. Reaching for the medicine cabinet seems less strenuous than jumping off the couch. We do not realize that we are drifting into a life that is characterized by illness and low quality.
And that is certainly not the fault of the viruses! (JS)
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Header: Adobe Stock / Siarhei – stock.adobe.com
