Do you know what 5 common viral diseases in humans are? Diseases always have a cause, whether it's bacteria or viruses, each playing a role at different times. According to reports, most of the diseases humans face are viral as compared to bacterial, and viral diseases are also fatal. According to a report by the World Health Organization, about 6,937,989 people died due to the deadly coronavirus infection.
Do you know how viruses cause diseases in humans? How do they infect the human body? Viruses are non-living microorganisms present in the air or on the surface. The virus itself finds an entry point to enter the human body. Different effects are seen after a cell is infected with viruses. Viruses indeed cause deadly diseases, but not all viruses are dangerous.
In some cases, it doesn't cause any problems. But sometimes, it infects cells and multiplies within them. After getting mature, it breaks cells and spreads to other cells. This is known as lytic infection. If the host is healthy and has a good immune system, then it can kill the virus and prevent the spread of infection. Otherwise, these viruses cause serious issues. Do you know what diseases you can face because of the virus? No? Don’t stress here.
We will guide you on what viral diseases you may face in your life. Keep reading
5 common types of viral infection
What are the 5 types of viral infections humans get easily?
● Respiratory viral diseases
Viral Respiratory problems are very contagious and cause problems in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Do you know what type of virus causes respiratory viral infection? If you are unaware, let me tell you different viruses especially affect your respiratory systems, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, enterovirus, coronaviruses (including SARS and MERS CoV), adenoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses. Respiratory viral diseases include the Common cold, Flu, Respiratory syncytial virus, Adenovirus, SARS, and Parainfluenza virus.
How are respiratory viral diseases transmitted? Respiratory viruses spread via droplet inhalation. If a person having viral problems sneezes or coughs, some of the droplets are inhaled by nearby people. In this way, this infection spreads to many.
Another source of its spreading is contaminated objects like doorknobs, tabletops, and personal items. After having contact with these contaminated objects, touching your nose or eye can cause problems.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of respiratory viral infection? You will experience a few common symptoms if you have a respiratory viral infection.
· Runny nose
· Fever
· Sneezing
· Cough
· Body aches
Treatment
It usually cures on its own. But some medications are also required, like nasal decongestants, cough suppressants, and painkillers.
● G.i.t viral diseases
Git viral diseases are related to the digestive tract. These problems can lead to gastroenteritis and stomach flu. These viral problems are contagious, and the reason for GIT viral diseases is some viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus. Because of these viruses, you will get diseases like Norovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus, and Astrovirus. Do you know how git viral diseases transfer from one person to another? : These mostly spread in the stool when shed via bowel movement. Food that is contaminated by this stool can cause the spread of the virus to others.
Symptoms
Following are the common symptoms of git viral problems
· Abdominal cramps
· Diarrhea
· Vomiting
Treatment
There is no proper treatment for git viral problems. Mostly, it cures on its own. You need to take plenty of water. To prevent git viral diseases, always wash your hands after washroom. Moreover, disinfect or wipe out all surfaces, and don't share personal items with anyone else.
● Exanthematous viral diseases
Exanthematous viral diseases are common, and these cause rashes on skin firstly. You can see some other symptoms too. There are common exanthematous diseases such as Chickenpox.
Measles, Rubella (German measles), Roseola, Fifth disease, Mpox. Many exanthematous viruses spread via droplets from cough and sneeze.
Other exanthematous viral diseases like Chickenpox and smallpox are transmitted through direct contact with fluid. Sometimes, VZV remains dormant and can cause shingles later in life after chicken pox.
The biting of mosquitoes spreads the Chikungunya virus.
Symptoms
· Rashes
· Fever.
· Feeling ill.
· Decreased appetite.
· Muscle and/or joint pain.
· Cough or runny nose.
● Cutaneous viral diseases
In cutaneous viral diseases, lesions or papules are formed on the skin. These lesions are sometimes recurrent.
Cutaneous viral diseases are Oral and genital warts, Oral herpes, Genital herpes, and Molluscum contagiosum. These diseases are contagious. The Mode of the spread of these diseases is direct physical contact with the affected person or their personal items like towels.
● Viral Hepatic
Viral Hepatic diseases cause liver inflammation, which is called viral hepatitis
It has many types: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D
Hepatitis E. Some other diseases can also affect the liver, such as cytomegalovirus and yellow fever
Additionally, the Mode of the spread of hepatitis B and C is body fluids like needles and syringes
Hepatitis B spreads via sexual contact
Hepatitis A and E spread via feces
Symptoms
· Fever
· Fatigue
· Loss of appetite
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Abdominal pain
· Dark urine
· Light-colored stools
· Joint pain, and jaundice.
Treatment
There is Symptomatic treatment for hepatitis B, C, and D. Antiviral drugs can also work.
Take plenty of rest, drink water, and avoid alcohol.
How to prevent the spread of viruses?
How to prevent the spread of viruses? As you know, viruses are everywhere, and you can control prevention of viruses by adopting good hygiene, such as
· Wash your hands
The viruses transfer via hands, so it is best to wash your hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds. It is a must to wash your hands after sneezing and coughing.
· Practice respiratory hygiene
Use tissue paper while coughing and sneezing. Dispose of those issues carefully to avoid the spread of viruses. or you can use your elbow when coughing or sneezing
· Avoid touching your face
Don’t touch yourface, eyes, or nose when your hands are unwashed.
· Maintain social distance
Maintain 6 feet distance from people who have any viral infection.
· Using a mask
Wearing a mask is the best practice to lower the risk of a viral attack. So use a mask when going in public.
· Stay home when not well
When you are not well, don’t go out, and sit at home to protect others from catching diseases.
Conclusion
Viruses are microscopic organisms that cause serious illness. They keep going to other hosts for survival because the original cell either gets damaged by the virus or eliminates the virus. On the other hand, viruses can also remain in a cell without damaging it, thus making the cell a carrier. Different types of viruses cause different diseases, such as respiratory viral infection, gastrointestinal virus infection, exanthematous viral infection, hepatic viral infection, cutaneous viral infection, etc. This infection can spread to others, so it is better to prevent it by adopting healthy habits.
Thank you Soh, really interesting article!