Viral infections are infections of any part of the body caused by a virus. A virus is made of pieces of genetic material inside a protein covering. It is so tiny that it can only be seen using a microscope. Viruses cannot multiple by themselves, so they use other living cells to help. They do this by inserting their genetic material into a living cell and then hijacking the living cell’s processes. The viruses multiply inside the cell and eventually kill the cell. When the cell dies, all the new viruses are released.
There are millions of known viruses on earth, but only a small percentage are harmful to people. Some of them are helpful to people. The most common viruses cause upper respiratory symptoms (such as the cold, flu, and Covid-19) and stomach problems (vomiting and diarrhoea). Viruses also cause childhood illnesses such as chicken pox, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and Ebola.
The symptoms of a viral infection vary depending on which virus is causing the illness and which part of the body is infected. Some viruses do not cause symptoms until a person has been infected for some time. Sometimes, a person may have no symptoms at all. Other times, a person may feel very ill. Some symptoms which could point to viral infection include:
A viral infection is caused by contact with a virus. Some ways a person may encounter a virus include:
Some behaviours which make a person more likely to become ill with a virus include:
A person who suspects they have a viral illness should seek advice from a healthcare professional. Sometimes, a virus can be diagnosed based on a person’s symptoms and examination alone. At other times, other testing may be required. Depending on the type of virus, bloods, swabs or other tests may be needed.
Many of the most common viruses will go away without treatment in 10-14 days. While unpleasant, there are no long-term side effects. Other viruses stay in the body and cause chronic disease. In rare cases, viruses can make an individual so ill that they die (such as Ebola).
Treatment depends on the type of viral infection present. For most upper respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses, over-the-counter medications, rest, fluids, and time are all that are needed. In these cases, the body will eventually fight off the virus on its own.
In other cases, antiviral medication is prescribed.
It is not always possible to prevent becoming ill with a virus. Frequent hand washing, particularly after riding on public transportation, after using the toilet, before eating, before touching the face or eyes, or after using a mobile phone can help. The best way to wash is to wet the hands, scrub all surfaces of the hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, rinse the water off, then use a paper towel to turn off the tap. When soap and water is not available, hand sanitiser helps in cases where there is not visible dirt or grime. Eating a varied and nutritious diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising are all good health practices which can help the body fight off a virus. Getting at least eight hours of sleep every night helps the immune system fight off infections.