Viral Infections are the most common infections that one can face. Viruses provoke a great amount of mild and serious diseases. It would be easier to prevent yourself from these problems if you know about the nature of viruses enough.
Viruses can grow only in a living body of a human or animal, plant or bacteria. It is a capsule coated with protein with genetic material (DNA and RHA) inside. Most viruses are too small to be seen in an optical microscope.
Viruses can provoke colds, flu, skin disorders (warts), smallpox, hemorrhagic fevers and even HIV/AIDS.
Treatment of the viruses is mostly based on the condition of the Immune System. In some cases your organism can overcome infections without medications. However it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider.
Some common rules are helpful in case of viral infection, such as cold or flu:
- plenty of fluid (one should drink not less than 2 litres of fluid a day)
- stay in bed and avoid contacts with people
- take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce fever and other symptoms of infection
Note: Antibiotics are useless in case of viruses. They are used for treating Bacterial infections, and must be directed only by a doctor. Antibiotics can be prescribed only in case of secondary bacterial infection provoked by viruses (bacterial pneumonia, bacterial bronchitis, or encephalitis). Antiviral remedies are helpful only for the limited amount of viruses.
Bacterial and Viral Infections have the similar symptoms. That is why it is very important to visit your doctor and find out the cause of the disease. It is necessary for the diagnostic and proper treatment.
Viral infections often lead to the more serious complications that can be even life-threatening. Such complications as acute bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis, cervical cancer, opportunistic infections and so on can occur.
The best way to protect yourself from viruses is to follow some simple rules:
- Hygiene (wash your hands with a soap and keep your body clean).
- Avoid contacts with infected people.
- Vaccination is effective against the type A and type B flu strains.
- Drink at least 2 liters of water daily.
- Give up smoking and take care of your immune system.
