What is a virus? A virus is a very simple organism that is not a true living thing because it does not have cells. It can only exist inside cells of other living things.

Virus

Close-up of a virus.

Because they are not true living things, viruses are much more difficult to attack than bacteria. This means that you tend to have to put up with a virus - like the ones that give you a cold or flu in winter - rather than being given medicines for them.

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