You are confusing viruses and bacteria. Viruses are little more than DNA packages which need other organisms in order to reproduce. Bacteria are one-celled life forms that can survive on their own and multiply on their own as long as they have access to water, nutrients, etc. In general, I always heard "germs" in reference to bacteria, not viruses. So germ theory is not a hoax, no matter what viruses are or do.
You are confusing viruses and bacteria. Viruses are little more than DNA packages which need other organisms in order to reproduce. Bacteria are one-celled life forms that can survive on their own and multiply on their own as long as they have access to water, nutrients, etc. In general, I always heard "germs" in reference to bacteria, not viruses. So germ theory is not a hoax, no matter what viruses are or do.