This article is about the aqueous solution. For the gas, see hydrogen chloride. Hydrochloric acid is a corrosive, strong mineral acid with many industrial uses. A colorless, highly pungent solution of hydrogen chloride (HCl) in water, when it reacts with an organic base it forms a hydrochloride salt.
Bacteria are intercellular organisms (i.e. they live in-between cells); whereas viruses are intracellular organisms (they infiltrate the host cell and live inside the cell). They change the host cell's genetic material from its normal function to producing the virus itself.
Bacteria and Viruses. Both viruses and bacteria cause infections, but antibiotics only work against bacteria. Viral Infections. Include colds, flu, croup, laryngitis, chest colds (bronchitis) and most sore throats. Are more contagious than bacterial infections. Can make you just as sick as bacterial infections.