Viral Diseases: Meaning, Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

What are Viral Diseases?

Viral diseases are infections caused by viruses. Viruses can be called invisible invaders, as they are tiny pathogens that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism upon invading. The mechanism of action in viruses is unique. The viruses do not possess the cellular organisation required for reproduction, so they cannot replicate outside the living cell like bacteria. So, Viruses need a host cell to use their cellular organisation to become active and reproduce.

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Each virus causes a different kind of infection. Several viruses affect humans, i.e., influenza Virus, Rhinovirus, and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The most common type of viral infection is the common cold, which affects the respiratory tract. Other viral diseases are:

• influenza

• AIDS

• Hepatitis

• Chickenpox

• Polio

• Rabies

• Herpes

• Measles

• Mumps

Let's have an overview of the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of different types of viral diseases.

Types of Viral Diseases in Humans

Here are a few examples of human viral diseases:

Causes of Viral Diseases

How viruses spread: viruses can be transmitted in various primary ways, contributing to the causes of viral infections. One must understand how viruses spread to implement effective preventive measures.

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Airborne transmission occurs by inhaling a virus-containing droplet, released in the air by the infected person. The viral diseases that occur by airborne transmission are influenza and COVID-19. Other ways include direct physical contact with an infected person or surface, exchange of bodily fluids, and contaminated food and water. Vectors like mosquitoes also transmit some viruses.

How do viruses enter the body?

There are three main entry points from which viruses enter the body, the nose, eyes, mouth, and skin. Once they enter the host cell, they become active and hijack the host cell to reproduce itself by escaping the immune system.

Symptoms of Viral Diseases

General symptoms caused by viral infections include:

• Flu-like symptoms: sneezing, fever, fatigue, sore throat, and headache.

• Rashes

• Irritability

• Fatigue

• Muscle aches

• Respiratory issues.

Symptoms Specific to disease and severity depend on the type of infection and duration. Different viruses exhibit unique symptoms, such as:

• Influenza: cough, high fever, and body aches.

• Hepatitis: dark urine, jaundice, and abdominal pain.

• COVID-19: Cough, loss of taste or smell, and breathing issues.

• HIV: fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and infections.

Severity Variations:

Mild to severe symptoms can be present, and certain infections may not show any symptoms at all (asymptomatic).

Diagnostic Tests for Viruses

Early detection of viral disease is crucial for efficient treatment and infection containment. The virus can be diagnosed using a variety of techniques and tests, including:

• Blood tests can detect antibodies or antigens associated with a specific virus.

• With COVID-19 and other viral infections, PCR tests have been a common diagnostic tool. It detects the genetic material of viruses.

• Imaging examines the internal damage in severe cases. For example, lung damage occurs in COVID-19-infected patients.

Treatment for Viral Infections

Symptoms are easy to handle during the early stages.

• General symptoms such as pain and fever can be relieved with medication, adequate rest, and water.

• Antiviral medications inhibit virus replication within the body

• Serious viral disease cases can be effectively treated with cutting-edge therapies like monoclonal antibodies.

How to prevent viral diseases?

• The foremost thing to prevent viral diseases is hygiene practice. Washing your hands regularly, using sanitiser and wearing masks help avoid the spread of viral diseases.

• Vaccinations are important against viral infections. Specific vaccinations are available for particular diseases.

To manage viral diseases, it is crucial to understand their causes, symptoms and preventive measures. Getting medical help as soon as possible is necessary to combat the disease.

Apart from vaccination awareness, maintaining proper hygiene and social distancing are critical components. Virology research must go on to enhance public health and shield the public from viral threats in the future.

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