EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The correct answer is Bacteria and virus respectively. Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin (poison). Influenza viruses belong to the family Orthomyxoviridiae, which is characterized by a single-stranded and segmented RNA genome.

Detailed explanation-2: -Diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers. Those at increased risk of getting sick include: People in the same household.

Detailed explanation-3: -Diphtheria (dif-THEER-e-uh) is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Diphtheria is extremely rare in the United States and other developed countries thanks to widespread vaccination against the disease.

Detailed explanation-4: -Diphtheria causes severe swelling of the nose and throat. In some children the swelling and infection can become so severe they cannot breathe, this can kill them. If your loved one is in the health center for diphtheria, you may be carrying and spreading the disease even if you are feeling well.

Detailed explanation-5: -Diphtheria infection of the skin can look like a red, scraped area, as on this person’s neck. Image courtesy of the Public Health Image Library of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diphtheria infection of the skin can look like an open sore (ulcer), as on this person’s leg.