Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Why can antiseptic kill bacteria but can't kill virus when children get sick caused by virus? thanks
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Viruses are breathed: Usually this is because viruses are breathed in from the air and not transmitted from surfaces of inanimate objects.
Answered 5/5/2014
4.1k views
Antibiotics: Antiseptics (such as bleach or alcohol) can kill both bacteria and viruses. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are medications that interfere with specific biological processes present only in bacteria (usually the reproduction process), which results in the death of the bacteria. These processes are not present in viruses, which have a different reproductive method, so antibiotics will not work.
Answered 5/5/2014
4.1k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Is soap kill hiv aids or how long it takes to die hiv aids in dettol antiseptic it inactive the virus but how long it take to kill the virus in it ?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I had MRSA. Doc said use Hibiclens but she also told me that using antiseptic soaps can kill normal bacteria leading to more infections? Is this true?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Can you kill herpes simplex virus by anti bacterial wipes or wet ones after an hour 2 after an encounter? I know lysol does
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Is it true that hay fever, other allergies originate in the gut? Caused by a virus or bacteria in the gut? Thank you.
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
How can I know children get sick caused by virus or bacteria by observing symptoms?
Is it a controversial topic about letting a slight fever run its course, or do you always treat fevers? I thought fever helps kill viruses/bacteria, so wouldnt it be counterproductive unless its a bad fever?
I've seen a uv light wand that claims to kill viruses, bacteria, and odor. Its advertisement says hospitals use them. Is this true and effective?
Could a microwave oven kill bacteria and viruses?
Is boiling my drinking water for up to 5-10 minutes enough to kill parasites like giardia and bacteria and viruses?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
