Many of us, faced with fever and indisposition, have already gone to the doctor and received the diagnosis of “virus”. This term means that we have some disease caused by a virus.
→ What are viruses?
viruses are acellular organisms formed by DNA and/or RNA and surrounded by a protein coat. They are beings incapable of replicating outside a cell, being called obligate intracellular parasites. By penetrating the intracellular environment, the virus commands the metabolism of the cell, making it work towards the multiplication of viral particles.
Viruses are not considered living beings by a large group of researchers, since, outside a cell, they are inert. Nonetheless, some scholars believe they are living beingsgiven that they have genetic material, are able to reproduce and undergo evolution.
→ How do we get a virus?
Viruses can come into contact with our body in several ways, such as through airways, fecal-oral route, sexual route, contaminated blood and even organ transplantation. The way we acquire the virus is directly linked to how it develops in the body.
In general, we can cite as preventive measures against viruses: avoid places with large crowds of people, keep vaccines up to date, have good hygiene habits, drink treated water and eat well.
→ Why do doctors diagnose so many cases as viruses?
There are a lot of viruses that cause disease in the body. Some groups of viruses cause symptoms that are relatively easy for a doctor to recognize, which is why the diagnosis is often quick. Viruses usually cause symptoms such as fever, tiredness and lack of appetite. Despite not knowing what the causative virus is, the idea that a virus is causing the disease already helps to take the first steps with regard to treatment.
Don’t stop now… There’s more after the publicity 😉
Doctors, when diagnosing a virus, recommend some important conducts, such as rest, hydration and proper nutrition. To relieve symptoms, such as pain and fever, medication may be recommended. Tests are often performed to confirm the diagnosis, however, unfortunately, some tests take a long time, and the cure of the disease occurs even before the diagnosis is confirmed.
→ Some important viruses
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AIDS: disease without cure that is caused by the HIV virus. This virus stands out for its ability to attack the body’s defense cells, seriously affecting the immune system. Therefore, a patient with AIDS has a greater chance of complications when acquiring diseases considered simple.
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Chickenpox: also known as chickenpox, is a disease caused by a virus called varicella zoster. The patient has a high fever, malaise and fatigue. After some time, the emergence of reddish lesions on the skin that itch a lot is observed.
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Dengue: mosquito-borne viral disease Aedes aegypti. Symptoms include pain in the head and behind the eyes, pain in the joints, high fever, tiredness and spots on the skin.
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The flu: disease caused by the virus Influenza, which is contracted by contact with contaminated saliva and secretion of the patient. Its main symptoms are fever, prostration, muscle and headache, cough, runny nose and nasal obstruction. The disease can be prevented with a vaccine.
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Polio: it is caused by the poliovirus and has been eradicated in Brazil since 1990. It is known for its ability to cause flaccid paralysis, a manifestation that is characterized by weakness, paralysis and reduced muscle tone.
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Rubella: It is caused by a virus of the genus Rubivirus and causes mild fever and red rashes.
Attention: To learn more about diseases caused by viruses, click here!
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos