Viral infection: symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition of viral infection

Viral infection is a condition when the virus enters the body, then reproduces itself to cause disease. Viral infections can attack various parts of the body such as the respiratory, digestive, nervous or skin systems, depending on the type of virus that infects.

Viruses themselves are microscopic organisms (invisible to the naked eye) which are composed of proteins and protectors. These organisms can be transmitted.

Transmission of the virus can take place between humans or through contact with contaminated animals, objects and food.

Viral disease can cause different symptoms depending on the type of virus and the organs affected by the body. However, this condition is generally indicated by symptoms of fever, muscle and joint pain, and weakness.

The treatment given will usually adjust the virus causing it and the severity of the symptoms. Transmission of the virus can always be prevented by avoiding exposure, factors that increase the risk of transmission, and vaccinations.

How common is this condition?

Viruses are the cause of various infectious diseases that are often experienced, such as colds, flu, diarrhea due to inflammation of the stomach or intestines, and others. The virus that causes the disease is usually easily transmitted.

However, certain types of viruses can also cause other, less common diseases. Transmission media such as saliva (droplet), blood, or other body fluids and the resistance of the virus can be the factors that determine how quickly the virus spreads.

Signs and symptoms of viral infection

Health problems due to viruses can vary depending on the infected organ. The severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe.

In general, a viral infection will cause fever symptoms as a response to the immune system in fighting the virus. Other symptoms that are often experienced include pain in muscles and joints and fatigue.

The following are signs as well as the kinds of symptoms that can be caused by a viral infection:

• Fever
• Muscle and joint pain (aches and pains)
• The body is weak or tired
• Headache
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Skin rash
• The skin and the membranes of the eyes turn yellow
• Dark urine color
• Swelling on the infected part of the body
• Bleeding from the infected body part

The length of the symptom period can also vary depending on the type of virus and the organs affected. Symptoms also do not always appear. This means that the body's immune response is strong enough to overcome the virus.

When to go to the doctor

During illness, you need to monitor the progress of your symptoms. If your symptoms do not subside within a few days, you should be aware of them immediately. Consult a doctor to get a more appropriate treatment.

Signs of a viral infection that require immediate medical attention include:

• The fever continues or rises to 38 degrees Celsius.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Severe headache
• Constant vomiting.
• Symptoms of dehydration.
• Strong pain in the infected part of the body.

Causes of viral infection

Viral infection occurs when the virus reproduces itself, causing interference.

When the virus enters the body, the virus does not reproduce immediately. The virus will kill, damage, or change the structure of healthy cells in the body first and invade these cells to become their host.

This is because viruses cannot survive without the help of cells in the body of living things. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, complaints will arise when the virus begins to damage cells in the body until it multiplies.

Based on the infected organ or body part, in general, the following are the types of viruses that can cause infection.

1. Infection in the respiratory tract

Viral infections that attack the respiratory tract, such as the nose, throat, and lungs can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, or shortness of breath.

The types of viruses that cause respiratory infections include:

• Influenza: the cause of flu
• Respiratory syncytial virus, (RSV): causes of colds in infants or toddlers under 2 years
• Rhinovirus: causes colds
• Coronavirus: causes of MERS, SARS and COVID-19
• Parainfluenza: causes of croup
• Paramyxovirus: causes of mumps
• Adenovirus

Transmission of the virus that causes respiratory disease generally takes place through droplet (saliva splashes) or inhaling virus-contaminated air that is released when a person sneezes or coughs.

2. Infections in the digestive tract

Viral infections of the digestive tract usually attack the stomach, liver and intestines. Common indigestion caused by this infection such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.

Several types of viruses that can attack the digestive system are:

• Rotavirus
• Adenovirus
• Norovirus
• Astrovirus
• Hepatitis

The virus usually enters the gastrointestinal tract through the mouth. Therefore, transmission occurs more often through food (foodborne), water, or use of contaminated cutlery.

However, touching your mouth after coming in contact with contaminated food or objects can also transmit the virus.

3. Viral infections of the skin

Viruses can also infect the skin. A rash, burning, or itching are the main symptoms of a viral skin infection. The affected parts of the body can vary, including the skin on the genital area.

Types of viruses that cause skin infections are:

• Varicella-zoster: causes chickenpox and shingles
• Human papillomavirus : causes of venereal disease HPV
• Herpes simplex: causes of oral and genital herpes
• Rubella: the cause of German measles
• Variola: causes of smallpox (smallpox)
• Molluscum contagiosum: causes rashes on the skin
• Monkeypox: cause of monkey pox

Transmission occurs through contact with a rash or infected skin lesions. Breathing air that is contaminated with viruses can also transmit several viruses that cause skin diseases.

4. Viral infection of the nervous system

Viruses that infect the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) can cause various diseases, such as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), inflammation of the brain or encephalitis, rabies, and polio.

The types of viruses that can infect nerves include:

• Enterovirus
• Arbovirus
• Poliovirus

Viruses can be transmitted through various such as through droplet issued by the patient when sneezing or coughing or insect and animal bites.

5. Other viral infections

Apart from those mentioned, several types of viruses can infect other parts of the body, such as blood vessels, causing blood clots to cause bleeding.

Viruses that can cause this disorder such as the Ebola virus and the viruses that cause dengue fever.

There are also viruses that directly attack cells in the immune system, such as HIV, which causes HIV / AIDS. This virus is transmitted through body fluids, such as sperm, vaginal fluids, and blood.

Diagnosis

You need to undergo a medical examination to find out what viral infection is causing the illness you are experiencing. This diagnosis will help the doctor determine the appropriate treatment.

In diagnosing, the doctor will first evaluate the medical history and physical examination. If from the initial examination the cause is still difficult to determine, your doctor may need to ask you to run tests such as:

• Blood test
• Blood culture test
• PCR test or swab
• CRP test to measure protein levels
• Antibody test

How to treat viral infections

Treatment is carried out as a means of reducing, inhibiting, or eliminating viral infections.

The most effective drugs are of course antiviral or antiviral types which have the ability to prevent the development of infection. Antibiotics are drugs for bacteria that will not work to get rid of the virus from the body.

However, infections with mild symptoms usually do not require intensive treatment. The reason is, several diseases caused by viruses, such as colds, hepatitis A, or chicken pox have properties self-limited diseases. This means that the disease can heal itself without special treatment.

Most medicines for viral diseases are intended to treat symptoms until the body's immune system is able to fight the infection. Generally, antiviral drugs also cannot eradicate the existing virus immediately.

Several types of drugs are used to treat viral infections, namely:

• Acyclovir
• Valacylovir
• Oseltamivir
• Antiretrovirals
• Interferon
• Ribavirin

The dosage and length of time of treatment will be adjusted according to the severity of the symptoms. If the infection is causing serious harm, intensive hospital care may be required. Medicines can be given through intravenous fluids.

Virus infection prevention

Treatment of viral infections places great emphasis on boosting the body's immunity to speed up the recovery process. Therefore, there are several natural ways you can do to speed up the healing of a viral infection, such as:

• Increase the consumption of fluids, such as water or juice without sugar, and nutritious foods, such as soups and foods with soup so that they are easy to swallow.
• Get plenty of rest for experiencing symptoms until the recovery process.
• Take supplements, such as vitamin C.

Some diseases caused by viruses can be prevented through vaccination or administration of blood plasma.

In addition, there are several ways to prevent other infections by adopting a clean and healthy lifestyle, including:

• Maintain a distance from infected people (2 meters during interaction).
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water.
• Make sure the food is cooked thoroughly.
• Wear a mask every time you go to public places or interact with people who are sick.
• Using a condom during sexual intercourse and not changing partners.

If there are questions or complaints that are suspected of being a virus infection, immediately consult further for your best solution.