A virus is a small piece of genetic material that looks for a host to live inside and multiply.
This is known as viral shedding.
The virus typically exits the host by the same means it entered.
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Viruses can be spread through either direct or indirect transmission:
Bacterial or Viral Infection?
Bacteria work differently than viruses.
They can live on their own, meaning they don’t require a host to survive.
Oftentimes viral infections can lead tobacterial infectionsif symptoms persist or worsen.
The following are some examples of common viral infections.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections cause diseases like thecommon cold, the flu, bronchitis, andCOVID-19.
Common respiratory infections include:
Rash-Causing Infections
Viral infections that cause symptoms like rashes or bumps.
Another method for diagnosing a viral illness is by performing an antibody test.
These are blood tests that look for an active or past infection of a virus.
Detection ofantibodiesin the blood can indicate immunity against the virus.
How Do You Treat Viral Infections?
Treatments for viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, are few and far between.
Preventing viruses from occurring in the first place is the best way to stay healthy.
Most of the time viral infections run their course.
The best way to avoid viral infections is to practice good hygiene and get the available vaccines.
Some can be as mild as the common cold, while others can be life-threatening.
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