Bacteria and viruses differ in several key ways. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can reproduce through fission and contain DNA within a cell membrane and cell wall. Viruses are not considered living and lack cells, existing as strands of DNA or RNA within a protein coat. While antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, viruses require vaccines or antiviral drugs to prevent or slow their reproduction. Common methods of disease transmission include person-to-person contact through hands or saliva, exposure to contaminated bodily fluids, and inhalation of virus-containing airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes.