Chapter 18, Problem 19STP

Summary Introduction

To describe:

Antibiotics are not prescribed to treat the flu.

Introduction:

Pathogens are the organisms that can infect a host organism and cause disease. The bacteria and the viruses are such pathogens. The viruses are small and less complex and consist of genetic material and protein covering. Antibiotics are medicines that can kill or slow down the growth of bacteria.

Explanation of Solution

The cause of flu is a virus, which is an influenza virus. In general, the influenza type A, B, C, and D virus cause the infection in the respiratory system of humans and that results in flu. Antibiotic is a medicine that can help to control the bacterial infection. As the flu is caused by the virus, the antibiotics cannot work on it.