What is a viral infection?

A virus is a microscopic agent (germ) that lives inside living cells, which are also referred to as host cells. Viruses must replicate within living cells, also known as host cells, in order to replicate. To replicate, viruses require living cells. There are thousands of different viruses, some of which are more common than others. Colds and flu, for example, are viruses, as are Ebola and HIV. Minor viral infections in healthy people can be quite severe in people with compromised immune systems. Almost any virus can cause sepsis.

Sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, is the body's potentially fatal reaction to infection or injury. Like strokes and heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Sepsis and septic shock can result from any type of infection in the body, including pneumonia, influenza, and urinary tract infections. Sepsis is most commonly caused by bacterial infections, but viruses can also cause it. One-third of people who get sepsis die. Many survivors have life-altering conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain and fatigue, organ dysfunction (organs that don't work properly), and/or amputations.

What are the different types of viral infections?

Viruses can be classified according to the parts of your body they infect, how they spread, or the symptoms they cause. Herpes and adenoviruses, for example, can cause a wide range of illnesses. The following are the classifications of viral infections:

• Respiratory infections.
• Digestive system infections.
• Viral hemorrhagic fevers.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Exanthematous (rash-causing) infections.
• Neurological infections.
• Congenital infections.

Respiratory infections

Respiratory infections affect the nose, throat, airways, and lungs. Respiratory viruses can cause bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections, and pneumonia. Here are a couple of examples:

• Common cold (usually caused by rhinovirus).
• The flu (influenza).
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• Human metapneumovirus (hMPV).
• Parainfluenza.

Viral infections in your digestive system

Viral infections in the digestive system can cause problems with your stomach, intestines, or liver. Here are a few examples:

• Gastroenteritis, also known as "stomach flu," can be caused by norovirus, rotavirus, or astrovirus.
• Hepatitis viruses are the root cause of liver disease. These infections frequently persist for an extended period of time (chronic). 

Viral hemorrhagic fevers

Hemorrhagic fevers alter the way your blood clots and can weaken your blood vessels, resulting in potentially fatal bleeding. Here are some examples:

• Ebola.
• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
• Severe dengue.
• Yellow fever.

Sexually transmitted viruses

Sexually transmitted diseases are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, which includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Here are some examples:

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)/genital warts.
• Genital herpes (HSV).
• Hepatitis B.

Exanthematous viral infections

Rashes caused by exanthematous viral infections can appear as bumps or blisters on your skin or as blood spots under your skin. They can also cause respiratory or other side effects. Exanthematous infections include the following:

• Chickenpox.
• Measles.
• Rubella (German measles).
• Roseola.
• Fifth disease.
• Mpox.

Neurological infections

Some viruses attack your body's nerve cells (your brain and spinal cord). These can cause paralysis, brain swelling (encephalitis or meningitis), and other potentially fatal conditions. Here are a couple of examples:

• West Nile virus.
• Polio.
• Rabies.

Congenital viral infections

Congenital viral infections are those that develop before birth. They pass from a pregnant woman to the foetus during development or birth. Depending on the virus, this can cause a wide range of health issues, including vision or hearing loss, developmental delays, and neurological conditions. Viruses associated with congenital infections include:

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
• Rubella.
• Zika virus.

How does a viral infection get treated?

Viral infections are treated differently depending on the virus and other factors. The goal of general treatment is to relieve your symptoms so you can get the rest you need to maintain your strength and recover without complications.

Among the general treatments for viral infections are:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) for fever, body aches, and pain
• Drinking extra fluids
• Getting extra rest and sleep
• Maintaining good nutrition

Depending on the type of viral infection and the presence of complications, additional treatments may be required. A human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which causes cervical dysplasia, can be surgically treated by removing the abnormal cells on a woman's cervix.

Children under the age of six should not use cold or cough medications in general due to the risk of serious side effects. Furthermore, people suffering from viral diseases should avoid taking aspirin or products containing aspirin due to the risk of developing Reye syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition. This medication, like Primovir and Paxzen, can be used to treat viral infections. Aspirin use during a viral illness, such as a cold or flu, has been linked to Reye syndrome.