Understanding Viruses

Education is one the best ways to stop an epidemic. People cannot help stop the spread of a virus if they do not know what to do and why it matters. Discover more in What Is an Epidemic?, part of the Understanding Viruses series.

A virus is a type of germ so small that it can only be seen with a microscope. Viruses were discovered in the late 1880s. Discover more in What Is a Virus?, part of the Understanding Viruses series.

A pandemic develops when a disease spreads across a country, continent, or around the world. Discover more in What Is a Pandemic?, part of the Understanding Viruses series.

People who feel unwell should try to avoid others. This helps stop the spread of the virus. The more contact people have with an infected person, the faster a virus spreads. Discover more in Staying Safe from Viruses, part of the Understanding Viruses series.

Viruses are contagious. They can be passed from person to person. They can also be passed to a person by an animal. Discover more in How Does a Virus Spread?, part of the Understanding Viruses series.