Viruses are capsules containing genetic material. They cause a variety of known and common infectious diseases, including colds, flu, and more, as they are very small, much smaller than bacteria. The disease will usually disappear on its own after a few days without further treatment. Viruses can also cause more serious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and smallpox.
Viral particles invade normal cells in order to live, multiply, and produce other viruses. Eventually, these viruses will kill the cells, resulting in a variety of symptoms.
Virus infections are difficult to treat because the viruses that live inside the cells are 'protected' from drugs, which pass through the bloodstream. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections, although there are several antiviral drugs available, but their effectiveness is still unclear. Vaccines can also prevent a number of known viral diseases, such as influenza.
Infectious and viral diseases and their causes
There are several types of viruses that cause different types of diseases. Adenoviruses are a family of viruses that can infect the membranes of the respiratory tract, the eyes, the intestines, and the urinary tract. About 10% of respiratory infections in children and babies are caused by them, and they are also the most common cause of diarrhea in children. In the human digestive system, Coxsackieviruses belong to the enterovirus family. It is usually due to unhygienic hands and surfaces contaminated with feces that they spread from person to person.
Coxsackieviruses are usually associated with mild flu-like symptoms that resolve without treatment. It is possible, however, that they may cause more serious infections in some cases.
It is a common disease among babies and children to suffer from foot and mouth disease. In babies, the disease begins with fever, restlessness, and a lack of appetite, followed by painful mouth sores within two to three days. After 7-10 days, the disease will disappear on its own without treatment.
The disease is caused by viruses from the enterovirus family, particularly coxsackievirus. In children and adults who have weakened immune systems, parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) often cause upper and lower respiratory illnesses, as well as strep throat or pneumonia.
What are the methods of diagnosis?
In most cases, blood tests are not performed in order to determine the cause of the infection. Moreover, since there is no antibiotic treatment for viral infectious diseases, most of the time, supportive care will be provided. You may use salt water as nose drops to relieve a stuffy nose, for example.
A cold humidifier should be used in the children's room during a viral flu or cold. Steam moistens the air and may assist in clearing the nasal passages. Physical therapy can help relieve chest congestion by loosening sticky mucus and assisting babies and young children with coughing. It is recommended that you get vaccinated against the flu every year in order to prevent the appearance of the disease and its complications.
Children aged 2 to 5 can take half a teaspoon of honey to relieve a cough, and children aged 6 to 11 can take a teaspoon. In various situations, other 'grandmother's medicines' may be helpful in easing the symptoms.
In the event that the fever does not subside after a few days, if the child experiences severe headaches, stiff neck, irritability, reduced awareness (or fatigue), or if the child looks very sick, you should seek medical treatment.
Generally, the child's body will be able to overcome these diseases within a few days with the help of the immune system. However, sick children should not be sent to kindergarten or educational settings until they have fully recovered, for fear of infecting other children.