What is the difference between a virus and germs?

Bacterial and viral infections have many things in common. Both types of infections are caused by microbes -- bacteria and viruses, respectively -- and spread by things such as: Coughing and sneezing. Contact with infected people, especially through kissing and sex. Contact with contaminated surfaces, food, and water. read more

Germs. The word “germ” is a catch-all phrase that can mean any microscopic particle that can cause illness in humans. The word germ comes from germen which means seed or sprout. That’s because early scientists studying germs thought about them as little seeds that spread between organisms. read more

Viruses are the smallest and simplest life form known. They are 10 to 100 times smaller than bacteria. The biggest difference between viruses and bacteria is that viruses must have a living host - like a plant or animal - to multiply, while most bacteria can grow on non-living surfaces. read more