Viral Infections
Viral infections are different from bacterial infections in that they will go away after they run their course through your body. They can cause many of the same symptoms as bacterial infections, but it is not necessary to treat the infection itself for it to go away. Instead, the symptoms are often treated to help make the patient feel better. It is important to learn about viral infections, as they are quite common in adults and children. What makes up a viral infection?
Not feeling well? Don't just assume an antibiotic will make you well. Viral infections aren't treatable with antibiotics so don't go that route if you have a virus. Medical attention will determine if you have a bacteria or virus and treatment should be handled accordingly.
A virus is a self-contained capsule with genetic material inside that causes an immune response in the body. Viruses invade normal, healthy, living cells and use these cells to multiply and move throughout the body. The death of the healthy cells causes you to experience symptoms of illness that can occur in any part of the body. A virus is hard to treat, as it lives inside of your cells and is protected by the cell membranes. Many common diseases are caused by a viral infection, including:
- Common cold
- Chicken pox
- Influenza
- Cold sores
- Viral pneumonia
Other, more severe, diseases are also caused by a viral infection, including:
- AIDS
- Ebola
- Avian influenza
- Smallpox
- SARS
- Polio
- Mumps
- Rubella
Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics, but there have been some vaccines developed that can prevent you from getting these viral illnesses, including the flu vaccine, the chicken pox vaccine, and the polio, mumps, and rubella vaccines. Antiviral medications have also been developed to help decrease the time length of the virus to help you to get better more quickly. These are commonly used for patients who exhibit the symptoms of the flu. While an antiviral medication will not "cure" you from a virus, it can help to decrease the symptoms, so that you can resume normal life much quicker.
Viruses are very contagious, which is why it is important to practice good health habits every single day. By washing your hands with soap and water frequently during the day, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, wearing a mask when around people who are sick, and cleaning much used doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards and other items, you can help to decrease your chances of getting or giving a viral infection.
A viral infection will go away if not treated when allowed to run its course, but it is still important to be evaluated by your physician. You may be an excellent candidate for an antiviral medication to help decrease the life of the virus or you may need to have your viral symptoms treated to help prevent additional illness. Either way, you will want to be evaluated by your physician to determine if there is a treatment for you.
Viral infections have been linked to many illnesses, which is why it is important to learn more about them. Colds and coughs, and rashes are the simpler illnesses associated with viruses. Bronchitis can be associated with either a bacteria or a virus, so be sure to get cultured so you can know the best way to treat that illness. Shingles, herpes, encephalitis, and meningitis are more serious illnesses associated with viruses. By paying attention to your body and your physician, you can live through these viral infections and have a full and happy life.
