Air purifiers in the fight against viruses and bacteria
They're so small that they can only be seen with a microscope. That's why they're called microorganisms. Bacteria and viruses are found everywhere. Both reproduce rapidly and can cause disease. Otherwise, they don't have much in common.
What are bacteria?
Bacteria are living organisms consisting of a single cell. This cell contains everything necessary for life, namely genetic material and cellular machinery. This allows them to produce proteins and provide themselves with energy.
What are viruses?
Viruses are infectious particles, not cells. They are not independent living organisms capable of self-replication. Viruses depend on a host cell and are unable to spread or even survive without one.
What is the difference between bacteria and viruses?
The size.
Bacteria (0.5–10 µm) can still be seen with a standard light microscope. The much smaller viruses (20–350 nm), however, can only be seen under an electron microscope.
The metabolism.
Bacteria are living organisms (single-celled organisms) and have their own metabolism. Viruses consist of particles (not cells), have no metabolism of their own, and are therefore not living organisms.
The reproduction.
Bacteria usually reproduce by cell division. Viruses require a host, so they infect foreign cells and force them to reproduce.
The effect of antibiotics.
Since viruses lack their own metabolism and cell walls, antibiotics are powerless. However, antivirals can inhibit viral replication.
The benefit for people.
Bacteria are an essential part of our digestive system. Viruses, on the other hand, are of no use.
The mode of action.
Bacteria secrete toxic substances as they multiply in the human body. Viruses destroy their host cells as they multiply in the human body.
The triggering diseases.
Bacteria cause diseases such as sore throats, diphtheria, cholera, whooping cough, tuberculosis, and Lyme disease. Viruses are responsible for colds, influenza, AIDS, herpes, hepatitis, rubella, chickenpox, yellow fever, and measles.
When you have a cold, viruses often act as a precursor for bacteria. If the human body is already weakened, viruses can more easily take hold and lead to, for example, pneumonia. Whether the infection is viral or whether bacteria have already taken hold can be determined through medical examinations, and the appropriate medication can be administered. Viruses are infectious particles, not cells. They are not independent living organisms capable of self-replication. Viruses depend on a host cell and are unable to spread or even survive without one.
How long do bacteria and viruses survive outside the human body?
Certain cold viruses can survive on indoor surfaces for a maximum of seven days.
The surface on which they settle is crucial. Both require moisture to survive. Thus, the humidity and the moisture on surfaces in offices and private spaces determine the lifespan of bacteria and viruses outside the human body.
Surprisingly simple. Here's how you can protect yourself.
Disinfect doorknobs, keyboard, telephone and mouse.
These items provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and viruses and pose a real danger. They should therefore be cleaned several times a day, especially if several people share a workspace.
Good hand hygiene
Regularly washing and disinfecting your hands reduces the risk of pathogens being transmitted. These pathogens usually first land on the hands before entering our bodies through our mucous membranes.
Regular ventilation
Regular air exchange (ventilation) reduces the concentration of viruses and bacteria. But be careful: Depending on the location and weather conditions, ventilation often also introduces new pollutants, allergens, and particles into indoor spaces, potentially worsening the indoor air quality.
IDEAL air purifiers reduce the concentration of viruses and bacteria in the room air
Reduced risk of infection
The highly effective, multi-layer filters of IDEAL air purifiers capture virtually everything: chemical compounds and molecular toxins, as well as fine and very fine particles. These include viruses and bacteria. The filters are particularly effective against MPPS (most penetrating particle size) particles with a diameter of 0.3 micrometers and even smaller particles with a diameter of 0.1 micrometers.
Bring clean air into your everyday life.
