Obtained by steam distillation of the lavender flowers, lavender essential oil is effective in repelling dust mites, fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, bedbugs and spiders. Lavender does not kill insects. The aromatic scent of lavender is offensive, causing insects to flee the area.
The body's defense system. Most viruses do not cause serious diseases and are killed by the body's immune systemâits network of natural defenses. In many cases, people never even know they have been infected. But unlike bacteria, which can be killed by antibiotics, most viruses are not affected by existing medicines. Fortunately, scientists have been able to make vaccines, which help the body develop natural defenses to prevent many viral infections.
Viruses often damage or kill the cells that they infect, causing disease in infected organisms. A few viruses stimulate cells to grow uncontrollably and produce cancers. Although many infectious diseases, such as the common cold, are caused by viruses, there are no cures for these illnesses.