2006-12-27 20:38:10 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
VIRAL INFECTIONS
A virus is a minute particle that can only replicate itself within living cells. Research has shown that viruses are able to evolve into more virulent strains by altering their genetic material, something particularly true of d flu virus, whic changes continuously. This is why people catch colds and after year rather than acquiring immunity to them - and also why developing a successful vaccine is difficult. Unlike bacterial infections such as tonsillitis, virus infections do not respond to antibiotic treatments, although such treatments may b useful in d case of a weakened immune system and secondary bacterial infection.
Traditionally, vaccination against viruses has focused on using d protein that coats d virus surface to create a memory in d body's immune system. This enables antibodies to identify and fight d invading virus.
However, matating viruses such as HIV (human immunodeficiency vicus) may differ from country to country. There can even be different strains on HIV within d same person. This has made a strain - specific vaccine impossible to produce. HIV vaccines being tested at d start of d 21st century aim to block d virus from growing in d body rather than blostering immunity.
Viruses can have long-term effects on the immune system, even when the viral infection seems to hav passed. One post-viral illness is chronic fatigue syndrome, which may be diagnosed when a person feels fatigued for longer than six months and no other medical condition can be identified. Similar symptoms are caused by glandular fever and Hodgkin's disease.
2006-12-27 21:37:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there can be thousands of different viral infections... but after your other question im thinking your talking std stuff, a virus is an organism that invades, lives and reproduces within a cell. Most viruses are transmitted through contact with infectious blood or other body fluids. These viral infections are easily transmitted through sexual contact. Unfortunately, most viral infections have no real cure, however the human body can fight off some viral invasions. There are some treatments that control the virus for long periods of time.
Genital Warts
Herpes
Hepatitis
HIV / AIDS
Molluscum Contagiosm
are viral infections
2006-12-27 20:44:17 · answer #2 · answered by Lily Allen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Infections caused by viruses, as opposed to bacterial infections.
2006-12-27 20:41:15 · answer #3 · answered by Feeling new @ 42 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋