VirusesWhat are viruses?
A virus (taken from Latin and meaning toxin or poison) is an infectious microorganism which can only reproduce inside a host cell.
Viruses are even smaller than bacteria, around 100 times smaller, and are widespread. Scientists have found viruses in almost every imaginable ecosystem on Earth.
Scientists say around 5,000 types of virus have been described in detail so far, although most types remain undiscovered.
Viruses can't survive, grow, and reproduce unless a person, plant or animal puts up rental space. Viruses can only live for a very short time outside other living cells. For example, germs in infected bodily fluids left on surfaces like a countertop or toilet seat can live there for a short time, but quickly die unless a live host comes along. .
Types of virus
You may have heard of the common human illnesses caused by viruses. These include the common cold, influenza, chickenpox, mumps, measles and cold sores. Many serious diseases such as Ebola, AIDS, avian influenza, smallpox and SARS are also caused by viruses.
A virus epidemic is when the virus disease affects many people within the same locality. A virus pandemic is when a virus disease spreads throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world.
In 1918-1919 the infamous Spanish flu virus pandemic ravaged much of the world’s population. Many millions of people died.
More recently, the H1N1 Swine Flu virus that we’re experiencing now was classed as a pandemic virus in 2009-10.
How viruses spread
Viruses spread in many ways; plant viruses are often transmitted from plant to plant by insects that feed on sap, while animal viruses can be carried by blood-sucking insects.
Influenza viruses are spread in the air by coughing and sneezing, or by a contaminated hand touching the mouth or eyes.
We can also become ill from viruses by consuming infected food or water.
HIV is one of several viruses that are transmitted through sexual contact.
Prevention and treatment
Good hygiene
By following good hygiene practices and regularly washing your hands you may be less likely to pick up a virus infection through touching your mouth or eyes.
Your immune system
The first line of defence against viruses is your brilliant immune system which over time retains a "memory" of virus infections and then produces special antibodies to deal with them.
These antibodies attach to viruses and stop the virus from infecting cells.
The body makes many different antibodies, especially during the initial infection. After the infection subsides, some antibodies remain and continue to be produced, often giving the host life-long immunity to the virus.
Vaccination
Firstly, it’s important to remember that antibiotics have no effect on virus infections. Antibiotics have been developed to treat bacterial infections.
Vaccination is a way of preventing diseases caused by viruses. Vaccines simulate a natural infection and its associated immune response, but do not cause the disease. Vaccination has resulted in a dramatic decline in illness and death caused by virus infections such as polio, measles, mumps and rubella.
Antiviral drugs
Antiviral drugs are a medication used specifically for treating viral infections. Unlike antibiotics, antiviral drugs do not destroy their target pathogen but inhibit their development and therefore relieve the symptoms of the infection.
A virus (taken from Latin and meaning toxin or poison) is an infectious microorganism which can only reproduce inside a host cell.
Viruses are even smaller than bacteria, around 100 times smaller, and are widespread. Scientists have found viruses in almost every imaginable ecosystem on Earth.
Scientists say around 5,000 types of virus have been described in detail so far, although most types remain undiscovered.
Viruses can't survive, grow, and reproduce unless a person, plant or animal puts up rental space. Viruses can only live for a very short time outside other living cells. For example, germs in infected bodily fluids left on surfaces like a countertop or toilet seat can live there for a short time, but quickly die unless a live host comes along. .
Types of virus
You may have heard of the common human illnesses caused by viruses. These include the common cold, influenza, chickenpox, mumps, measles and cold sores. Many serious diseases such as Ebola, AIDS, avian influenza, smallpox and SARS are also caused by viruses.
A virus epidemic is when the virus disease affects many people within the same locality. A virus pandemic is when a virus disease spreads throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world.
In 1918-1919 the infamous Spanish flu virus pandemic ravaged much of the world’s population. Many millions of people died.
More recently, the H1N1 Swine Flu virus that we’re experiencing now was classed as a pandemic virus in 2009-10.
How viruses spread
Viruses spread in many ways; plant viruses are often transmitted from plant to plant by insects that feed on sap, while animal viruses can be carried by blood-sucking insects.
Influenza viruses are spread in the air by coughing and sneezing, or by a contaminated hand touching the mouth or eyes.
We can also become ill from viruses by consuming infected food or water.
HIV is one of several viruses that are transmitted through sexual contact.
Prevention and treatment
Good hygiene
By following good hygiene practices and regularly washing your hands you may be less likely to pick up a virus infection through touching your mouth or eyes.
Your immune system
The first line of defence against viruses is your brilliant immune system which over time retains a "memory" of virus infections and then produces special antibodies to deal with them.
These antibodies attach to viruses and stop the virus from infecting cells.
The body makes many different antibodies, especially during the initial infection. After the infection subsides, some antibodies remain and continue to be produced, often giving the host life-long immunity to the virus.
Vaccination
Firstly, it’s important to remember that antibiotics have no effect on virus infections. Antibiotics have been developed to treat bacterial infections.
Vaccination is a way of preventing diseases caused by viruses. Vaccines simulate a natural infection and its associated immune response, but do not cause the disease. Vaccination has resulted in a dramatic decline in illness and death caused by virus infections such as polio, measles, mumps and rubella.
Antiviral drugs
Antiviral drugs are a medication used specifically for treating viral infections. Unlike antibiotics, antiviral drugs do not destroy their target pathogen but inhibit their development and therefore relieve the symptoms of the infection.
A virus (taken from Latin and meaning toxin or poison) is an infectious microorganism which can only reproduce inside another host cell.
Viruses are even smaller than bacteria, around 100 times smaller.
A virus epidemic is when the virus disease affects many people within the same locality.
A virus pandemic is when a virus disease spreads throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world.
Viruses are even smaller than bacteria, around 100 times smaller.
A virus epidemic is when the virus disease affects many people within the same locality.
A virus pandemic is when a virus disease spreads throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world.