Viral Diseases
Viral diseases are not treatable with antibiotics. The common cold and flu cause illness for a period of time, but then it resolves and the immune system attacks the virus and the symptoms disappear.
Viral diseases, such as dehydration, bacterial pneumonia and the other secondary bacterial infections can cause or lead to possible life threatening complications. It is important to call 911 if you are experiencing serious symptoms of an illness or viral disease. Some symptoms of illnesses and viral diseases are: 1. Wet chest cough that produces colored phlegm. 2. Change in level of consciousness. 3. Chest pain 4. High fever 5. Unresponsiveness 6. Seizures 7. Wheezing 8. Shortness of breath 9. Stiff neck 10. Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. |
Viral diseases are widespread infections caused by viruses. Viruses are a type of microorganism. The most common type of viral disease is the common cold. Other viral diseases include:
1. Chicken pox 2. The Flu (influenza) 3. HIV 4. Infectious mononucleosis 5. Shingles 6. Viral gastroenteritis 7. Viral hepatitis 8. Viral pneumonia Common symptoms of viral diseases include flu-like symptoms and malaise. Viruses and Viral diseases can be spread by: 1. Breathing airborne droplets that contain the virus. 2. Eating food or drinking water that contains the virus. 3. Indirect transmission from person to person by a virus host (tick, mosquito, or mouse) 4. Touching surfaces or body fluids that contain the virus. |
How can you reduce your chances of getting a viral disease?
How do you treat a Viral Disease?
- Avoiding contact of your hands with your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid contact with a person with a viral disease
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when sneezing or coughing
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Getting enough rest
- Use appropriate antibacterial cleaners to clean your hands and surfaces.
- Vaccination as recommended by your health care provider for viral diseases
- Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds after contact with a person who has a viral disease, before eating, or after using the restroom or touching feces, body fluids, surfaces, or foods that may have the virus.
How do you treat a Viral Disease?
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) for fever, body aches, and pain
- Drinking plenty of fluids to flush toxins out of your body
- Getting plenty of rest and sleep
- Maintaining a good nutritional diet
Sources:
"Viral Diseases - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments - Symptoms." Viral Diseases - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments - Symptoms. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2014. <http://www.healthgrades.com/conditions/viral-diseases--symptoms>.
"Virus - Google Search." Virus - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2014. <https://www.google.com/search?q=virus&es_sm=122&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=GEgkVKTcCouRNuykgqgG&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1375&bih=785&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=Soz8GlPxE9L3tM%253A%3BUHPh6toU73CF_M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.womenshealthmag.com%252Ffiles%252Fimages%252Fsneaky-life-virus-flash.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.womenshealthmag.com%252Fhealth%252Flife-of-a-virus%3B400%3B400>.
"Viral Diseases - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments - Symptoms." Viral Diseases - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments - Symptoms. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2014. <http://www.healthgrades.com/conditions/viral-diseases--symptoms>.
"Virus - Google Search." Virus - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2014. <https://www.google.com/search?q=virus&es_sm=122&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=GEgkVKTcCouRNuykgqgG&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1375&bih=785&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=Soz8GlPxE9L3tM%253A%3BUHPh6toU73CF_M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.womenshealthmag.com%252Ffiles%252Fimages%252Fsneaky-life-virus-flash.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.womenshealthmag.com%252Fhealth%252Flife-of-a-virus%3B400%3B400>.