Viral infections are conditions caused by viruses, which can range in severity from mild problems to severe or even fatal illnesses.
Once inside the body, the virus invades the body’s cells and uses them to multiply, an action that damages or completely destroys the infected cell. The symptoms of the infection appear following this multiplication and depend on the affected area (respiratory system, digestive system, etc.) [1].
Even though there are many types of viruses, some of them are much more common, such as:
Rhinoviruses
Although the common cold can be caused by several types of virus, the most common cause is an infection with a rhinovirus [2]. It is spread through saliva expectorated during coughing or sneezing or through contact with contaminated objects such as telephones, cutlery, money, etc.
Most of the time, the cold caused by these rhinoviruses is mild, with most people recovering after 7-10 days. The most common cold symptoms include:
- nasal congestion;
- sore throat;
- cough;
- sneezing;
- mild fever.
If you smoke or have other health problems, your symptoms may be more severe [3].
Cytomegalovirus
Citomegalovirusul is a very common herpes virus that can spread through saliva, blood or other bodily fluids.
Once contracted, the virus remains in the body permanently in a latent state, but can be activated through various triggering mechanisms, thus forming an activity/inactivity cycle.
Although symptoms tend to be mild in most cases, people with weakened immune systems or babies can experience more severe symptoms and complications.
Because cytomegalovirus can be passed from mother to baby during birth, infecting the infant can affect its development [4].
Influenza
Influenza viruses are what cause the flu. They are in a constant state of change, which leads to the regular appearance of new strains.
Infection with such a virus is achieved by inhaling droplets of saliva expectorated during coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated objects.
In the early stages, the flu can resemble a cold with sneezing and a sore throat. However, as the infection progresses, other flu-specific symptoms may be present, such as:
- muscle pains;
- fever;
- dyspnoea (difficulty breathing);
- dry and persistent cough;
- headache;
- vomiting or diarrhea;
- fatigue.
Even though most people recover without the need for specific medical treatment, influenza virus infection can be severe or even fatal among certain groups of people, namely:
- children younger than 2 years;
- adults over the age of 65;
- pregnant women;
- people with a weakened immune system or those with certain chronic diseases (asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, etc.).
If you are healthy, the flu is usually not a serious condition. However, among people at higher risk of complications, infection with the influenza virus can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, and acute respiratory syndrome, among many others. [5].
Rotaviruses
Rotavirus is another very common virus that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Infection with this pathogen can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, fever, and stomach pain in both children and adults.
Although anyone can be infected, rotavirus affects infants and children the most. As there is no curative treatment for this infection, treatment options will focus mostly on relieving symptoms and regaining fluids and minerals lost through vomiting or diarrhoea. [6].
Since many viral infections can have similar symptoms, it is important to detect the virus in order to receive the appropriate treatment and recommendations. If you have severe flu symptoms or other deviations from normal, then talk to a specialist doctor to receive the necessary medical attention!
References:
1. Seladi-Schulman, Jill. “Viral Diseases: List of Types & Contagiousness, Treatment, Preven.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/viral-diseases. Data accesării: 11.01.2023
2. Jacobs, Samantha E, et al. “Human Rhinoviruses.” Clinical Microbiology Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3553670/. Data accesării: 11.01.2023
3. “Common Cold.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605. Data accesării: 11.01.2023
4. “Is CMV a Herpes Virus?” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/is-cmv-a-herpes-virus. Data accesării: 11.01.2023
5. “Influenza (Flu).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719. Data accesării: 11.01.2023
6. “What Is Rotavirus? Causes, Treatment, and Prevention.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/children/guide/what-is-rotavirus. Data accesării: 11.01.2023
