VIRAL INFECTION

 VIRAL INFECTION

The four types of microbes that cause illness in people are bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.

It is important to note that all four types of infection cause similar symptoms when infection is present. Infection is characterized by inflammation, fever, chills, muscle aches, and joint aches. So, how does you distinguish one from the other?

The immune system is an effective barrier against infectious agents. However, pathogens may sometimes overwhelm the immune system’s ability to fight them off. At this stage, an infection becomes harmful.

The effects of an infection, such as swelling or a runny nose, occur due to the immune system’s attempt to get rid of the invading organism.

A wound fills with pus, for example, when white blood cells rush to the site of an injury to combat foreign bacteria.

Fever helps to destroy the bacteria and viruses. But fevers in an infant or small child needs special care, to avoid seizure.

VIRUS

Viruses are smaller than bacteria. All they have is a protein coat and a core of genetic material, either RNA or DNA. Unlike bacteria, viruses can't survive without a host. They can only reproduce by attaching themselves to cells. 

Viruses also known as hijackers invade a host and attach themselves to a cell. As they enter the cell, they release their genetic material. This material forces the cell to replicate the virus like them, and the virus multiplies. When the cell dies, it releases new viruses, which infect new cells.

Not all viruses destroy their host cell, however. Some of them change the function of the cell. Some viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), can lead to cancer by forcing cells to replicate in an uncontrolled way.

A virus can also target certain age groups, such as infants or young children.

Viruses may remain dormant for a period before multiplying again. The person with the virus can appear to have fully recovered, but they may get sick again when the virus reactivates.

Ways of transmission:

Viruses can be spread or transmitted through various ways. Some people may get a viral infection by swallowing or inhaling virus, by being bitten by insects, through sexual contact or through transfusion of contaminated blood

Symptoms: 

High Fever, Tiredness or Fatigue, Headache, Diarrhea, Sore throat, Abdominal Pain, Coughing, Runny nose, Skin rash, Nausea and vomiting, Muscle ache, Chills, Stiffness in neck, Seizures, Loss of sensation, Impaired bladder, Impaired bowel function, Paralysis of limbs, Sleepiness, Confusion

Viral infections include:

1. Common cold, 

2. Encephalitis and meningitis, 

3. Warts and Blemishes skin infections

4. Gastroenteritis, 

5. COVID-19,

6. Ebola

7. HIV

8. Hepatitis

9. Polio

10. Influenza (flu), including H1N1 swine flu

11. Dengue fever

12. Small pox

13. Spanish flu

14. Chicken pox

15. Rabies

16. Dengue

17. Some types of cancer

18. Measles

19. SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes)

20. Tonsillitis

21. Mumps

22. Croups

23. Asthma

24. Zika virus

25. Mouth ulcer (might be also due to vitamin B12 or iron deficiency. Crohn's disease– a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system)

Viruses target specific cells, such as those in the genitals or upper respiratory tract. The rabies virus, for example, targets the nervous system. Some viruses target skin cells, causing warts.

Others target a wider range of cells, leading to several symptoms. A flu virus can cause a runny nose, muscle aches, and an upset stomach.