Final answer:
Viruses cause disease by infecting the cells of a living organism, disrupting normal cellular functions, damaging tissues, and triggering immune responses. Examples include influenza, HIV, and the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
Step-by-step explanation:
Viruses cause disease by infecting the cells of a living organism. They work by hijacking the host cell's machinery to reproduce and spread throughout the body. Once inside the host, a virus can disrupt normal cellular functions, damage tissues, and trigger an immune response, leading to the symptoms of a disease.
For example, the influenza virus infects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat. The HIV virus infects immune cells, weakening the immune system and leading to the development of AIDS. The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, affecting various organs and leading to respiratory symptoms and other complications.
It's important to note that not all viruses cause disease. Some viruses can infect an organism without causing harm, while others can cause mild to severe illnesses.
Learn more about How viruses cause disease