Viral Diseases

Main Types of Viral Diseases

Influenza: This common illness is caused by influenza A or B viruses. It typically occurs in the colder months and causes symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches.
HIV/AIDS: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) destroys a type of white blood cell, weakening the immune system and leading to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This makes it difficult for the body to fight off diseases and infections.
Common cold: Caused by several different types of viruses, the most common being the rhinovirus. Symptoms can include runny nose, sneezing, and mild coughing.
Chickenpox: This viral disease, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, presents as an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters.
Hepatitis: Hepatitis can be caused by five different viruses - Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver.

Viral infections can cause symptoms such as fever, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, coughing, and abdominal pain.
Other signs can include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, and skin rashes.
In the case of more serious viral diseases like HIV/AIDs and Hepatitis, symptoms may take a while to develop and can include extreme fatigue, rapid weight loss, recurring fever or night sweats, and prolonged swelling of the lymph glands.

Viruses enter the body through the mouth, nose, eyes, or breaks in the skin. They can be transmitted through droplets in the air, direct contact with infected individuals, or contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.
Once inside, the virus attaches itself to a cell, enters it, and releases its genetic material. This causes the cell to produce viral particles, which then infect other cells.
The immune system detects this invasion and begins to produce responses including fever, and the production of antibodies to neutralise the virus.
Some viruses, such as HIV and Hepatitis, can persist in the body for long periods and cause chronic illness. Others, like the cold or flu, resolve over time.

Hygiene measures like regular handwashing, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue or elbow can help prevent the spread of viruses.
Vaccination is another key prevention strategy. They train the immune system to recognise specific viruses and fight them effectively.
Safe sex practices, including condom use, can prevent sexually transmitted viruses such as HIV.