Which statement correctly matches treatment or prevention for bacterial and viral infections?

Which statement correctly matches treatment or prevention for bacterial and viral infections?

• A. Antibiotics kill viruses; vaccinations cure infections.
• B. Antivirals are used for both; no difference.
• C. Antibiotics kill bacteria; vaccines can prevent viral infections.
• D. There is no treatment for either.

Answer: (C)

This question tests understanding of how infections are treated or prevented in bacteria versus viruses. Antibiotics target bacteria by disrupting their essential life processes, so they kill or stop bacterial growth but have no effect on viruses, which are fundamentally different organisms living inside host cells. Vaccines, on the other hand, don’t cure an active infection; they prepare and prime the immune system to recognize and fight off viruses, helping prevent viral infections from occurring in the first place. Antiviral drugs exist for some viruses, but they aren’t universally effective and aren’t used for bacterial infections. So the statement that antibiotics kill bacteria and vaccines can prevent viral infections is the best match.

This question tests understanding of how infections are treated or prevented in bacteria versus viruses. Antibiotics target bacteria by disrupting their essential life processes, so they kill or stop bacterial growth but have no effect on viruses, which are fundamentally different organisms living inside host cells. Vaccines, on the other hand, don’t cure an active infection; they prepare and prime the immune system to recognize and fight off viruses, helping prevent viral infections from occurring in the first place. Antiviral drugs exist for some viruses, but they aren’t universally effective and aren’t used for bacterial infections. So the statement that antibiotics kill bacteria and vaccines can prevent viral infections is the best match.