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Any illness caused by viruses is referred to as a viral infection (a small germ that reproduces in your cells). Common viral illnesses include colds, the flu, norovirus (stomach flu), HPV (warts), and the herpes simplex virus (cold sores). Many viruses are harmless, but others can be fatal or cause chronic illness.

Viral infections are illnesses caused by tiny organisms that replicate in your cells (viruses). The most common cause of respiratory and digestive illnesses is viruses. Viruses, on the other hand, have the ability to infect virtually any other part of your body.

A virus is a tiny type of germ (pathogen) that can only be seen under a microscope. All viruses contain a small piece of genetic information (DNA or RNA) within their protective coating (the capsid). Consider it a package containing instructions. Our cells, on the other hand, are like an entire factory: they contain both instructions and all of the equipment needed to carry them out. These instructions explain how proteins and cells are created.

Viruses, unlike humans, do not have cells, so they lack all of the "machinery" needed to reproduce themselves. To replicate their instructions, they must break into our cells and use our machinery. A viral infection is caused by virus replication.

Fever, coughing, and rashes can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. The only way to determine what type of infection you have is for a medical professional to examine you. If you have symptoms that last more than a few days or cause you concern, consult your provider.

We will all become infected with a virus at some point in our lives. However, you are more likely to become seriously ill from certain viruses if you:

• are under the age of five or over the age of 65.

• Have you been diagnosed with diabetes, asthma, COPD, or another chronic lung disease?

• have a compromised immune system (as a result of HIV/AIDS, cancer, or immunosuppressive medications).

• are expecting a child.

Symptoms of a viral infection depend on where it is in your body, but here are some common ones:

• Fever, headaches, and fatigue are all flu-like symptoms.

• Upper respiratory symptoms include a sore throat, coughing, and sneezing.

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are examples of digestive symptoms.

• Rashes, sores, blisters, and warts are examples of skin conditions.

Many viral infections have no symptoms.

Many different viruses can infect humans, but only a few of them do. They can enter the body through the nose, mouth, eyes, anus, genitals, or a skin break. They infiltrate your cells and use them to replicate themselves once inside.

Only a few viral infections are treated with specific medications. A provider may prescribe antiviral medications or treatment to keep you from becoming ill after being exposed to a virus that can cause life-threatening or chronic illness.

Infections that rarely cause serious illness, such as the common cold, can usually be treated at home while you wait for them to resolve themselves.

Antiviral medications such as Paxzen and Primovir are two examples of medications that a doctor may prescribe to treat a viral infection.

Antiviral medications prevent viruses from reproducing. They can be used to treat chronic infections or to reduce the length of certain respiratory infections. They are only effective against one type of virus and are ineffective against others. Antivirals are available to treat influenza, hepatitis B and C, HIV, and MPOX.

You can usually treat minor respiratory or gastrointestinal infections at home if there are no complications. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, plenty of fluids, and adequate rest can help you get through until the virus is eradicated. It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor about which medications are appropriate for you.