Understanding Viral Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Examples
Viral diseases result from viruses—obligate intracellular parasites with DNA or RNA genomes. They infect all life forms.
Common Human Viral Infections
- Respiratory: Influenza, colds (rhinovirus), COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), RSV
- Exanthematous: Measles, rubella, chickenpox (VZV), roseola
- Herpesviruses: HSV-1/2, VZV (shingles), EBV, CMV
- Hepatotropic: Hepatitis A–E
- Retroviruses: HIV
- Arboviruses: Dengue, Zika, West Nile
Transmission Routes
Respiratory droplets, aerosols, fecal-oral, blood/body fluids, vector-borne, vertical.
Prevention
- Vaccines (measles, flu, COVID, HPV, hepatitis)
- Hygiene: handwashing, respiratory etiquette
- Vector control, safe sex, blood screening
Treatment
Mostly supportive (fluids, antipyretics). Antivirals exist for HIV, HSV, VZV, influenza, HCV, COVID-19. Antibiotics are ineffective.
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