Expert: Walter Hintz - 5/28/2006

Question

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Followup To

Question -
hello mr walter hintz,
hope to find u in good health.I sometimes wonder about viruses.what they are?can they be annihilated anyways?can u suggest a website alongwith ur answer for detailed studies.hope to make my point clear
regards
Abdul Rahman Sheikh

Answer -
Hi Abdul: It has been a long time.
 A virus is a bit of DNA surrounded by a protein coat or shell. It lacks a nucleus and cell membrane so is not consodered a life form.  It can only reproduce by incorporating its DNA with that of a living cell.  That being the case it is an infectious particle. In some cases we can destroy them but they change and new ones are always croping up. We can render them harmless with vaccines.
 I cannot suggest a particular website but there is plenty of information sources.  Just google viruses.

 Just out of curiosity and since we have corresponded before: where are you from and are you in school?
hello mr walter hintz,
thanks so much for ur detailed reply.well i live in pakistan not a student currently,i got my masters from the university of the punjab lahore,english being the major.anytime if u come to pakistan u are most welcome i,ll provide u with all the contact details.my yahoo email addy is millenium3boy@yahoo.com.i have a good interest in other subjects particularly science esp. biology i like to find out the hidden facts and mysteries behind the different scenes.i think u live in usa which state is a mystery.another question regarding viruses,if they are particles then how they penetrate into human body? i hope u dont mind answering this too.GOD BLESS you
regards
Abdul Rahman Sheikh

Answer
Hi Abdul:
I live in the state of Ohio which is in the midwestern part of the US.
 The virus enters the human body through external orifices.  It can enter through the mouth and nose and through the genital tract.  The aids virus enters through a break in the skin or injection or during sexual activity.
I will keep your email address. If you wish to get back to me again sometime use my email at waltjh@sbcglobal.net