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Information on the Different Types of Viral Infections and Types of Viruses. Preventing and Treating Human Viruses Naturally.

Viral Infection

natural remedy for different types of viruses

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What is a Viral Infection?
Diagnosing Viral Infections
What Causes Viral Infections?
Help for Viral Infections
More Information on Viral Infections

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What is a Viral Infection?

A virus is a tiny organism that causes an infection in the body. Viruses are made up of the genetic material known as DNA or RNA, which the virus uses to replicate. In order for a virus to survive, it must invade and attach itself to a living cell. It will then multiply and produce more virus particles.

By attaching itself to a host cell, the virus may either kill or alter the cell’s functions. When the cell dies, new types of viruses are released, and they infect other cells. This is how viruses cause disease. Generally, viruses will only infect one type of cell. For example, the cold virus will only infect cells of the upper respiratory tract.

Viruses can be transmitted in numerous ways, such as through contact with an infected person, swallowing, inhalation, or unsafe sex. Factors such as poor hygiene and eating habits can increase your risk of contracting a viral infection.

The external barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes, are the first line of defense. The body’s immune defenses are triggered when the virus enters the body, and white blood cells (lymphocytes and monocytes) begin to attack and destroy the virus.

This type of general protection is referred to as innate or natural immunity.

Types of Viral Infections

Viruses can affect any part of the body or body system. The most common type of viral infections involve the respiratory tract. For example, the cold virus involves the upper respiratory tract, viral throat infections, and laryngitis. Lower respiratory tract infections may include viral pneumonia.

The gastrointestinal system is also commonly affected by viruses with symptoms such as diarrhea and/or vomiting. The liver can also be infected by viruses such as the hepatitis virus family.

The skin can also be infected by a viral infection such as the common wart or chicken pox. Nervous system viral infections include encephalitis and rabies.

Systemic viral infections can also occur with certain viruses or when replication of the virus in the body accelerates unchecked, and the virus affects multiple body systems. This can be an extremely dangerous condition and usually requires prompt medical attention. HIV is an example of a systemic viral infection.

Diagnosing Viral Infections

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The diagnosis of a viral infection is usually based on the physical symptoms and the history of the illness. A condition such as influenza, which is caused by a virus, is generally easy to diagnose because most people are familiar with the symptoms. Other types of viral infections may be harder to diagnose and various tests may have to be performed.

Various Diagnostic Tests for Viral Infections

Blood tests to check for antibodies to viruses, or for the antigens themselves
Cultures for samples of blood, bodily fluid, or other material taken from the infected area
Spinal tap to examine the cerebrospinal fluid
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques may be used to make many copies of the viral genetic material, enabling doctors to rapidly and accurately identify the virus
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect increased swelling in the temporal lobes

Symptoms of Viral Infections

Viral infections come with a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may vary depending on what part of the body is affected, type of viruses, age, and overall health of the affected person.

These symptoms can include:

Fever
Muscle aches
Coughing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Headache
Chills
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Rash
Weakness

More severe symptoms include:

Personality changes
Neck stiffness
Dehydration
Seizures
Paralysis of the limbs
Confusion
Back pain
Loss of sensation
Impaired bladder and bowel function
Sleepiness that can progress into a coma or death

What Causes Viral Infections?

Human cells are vulnerable to viruses, and when the body is exposed to viral particles, the immune system will try to destroy these particles and eliminate them from the system.

A lowered immune system allows the virus to more easily attach itself to available cells, often bringing about general symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches. This also makes it easier for the virus to replicate, and thus advances symptoms until the immune system can fight the virus off.

Help for Viral Infections

The best way of treating human viruses will depend on the strength of the individual’s immune system, their overall health status, age, the severity of the condition, and the type of viruses involved.

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Minor illnesses caused by viral infections usually only require symptomatic treatment, while more severe conditions may require advanced medical treatment and sometimes even life-long treatment. A combination of treatment options such as conventional medicine, complementary therapy, and natural medicine can help to fight the infection, control the symptoms, and strengthen the immune response.

It is important to remember that treating human viruses cannot be accomplished through antibiotics, and the unnecessary use of antibiotics can weaken the immune system, thus increasing the likelihood of contracting another infection.

Conventional Medicine for Viral Infections

Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can reduce symptoms and fever, but can also have side effects, especially with long-term or excessive usage.
Antiviral medication and immune substances such as interferons and immunoglobulins are sometimes prescribed for more serious infections. They can be administered orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, topically, or by inhalation. Because viruses live within the body’s own cells, antiviral medications often have severe side effects. In order to kill off the virus, they have to damage the body’s cells.
Antiretroviral therapy suppresses the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), even if there are no symptoms. The aim of treatment is to lower the concentration of virus (viral load).

Natural Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies for Viral Infection

Natural and holistic remedies used instead of or in conjunction with conventional medicine and other complementary therapies can be extremely effective in relieving the symptoms of viral infections and treating human viruses. These types of remedies can successfully address the underlying cause of the condition as well as help to maintain the overall physical and emotional health of the individual.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies are gentle and safe to use without the harmful side effects of many prescription medications. Hypoxis rooperi, Agothosma betulina, Mentha piperita, Solidago virgaurea, Viscum album, Crataegus oxycanthoide, Schizandra sinesis, Astralagus membranaceus, and Olea europea are all examples of natural remedies that can help to promote immune system functioning and support the body’s ability to fight against harmful pathogens. Consult a physician, homeopath, or herbalist about a remedy that suits you.

Complementary Therapy

Acupuncture
Herbal and homeopathic remedies
Aruyvedic medications
Nutritional therapy
Meditation, psychotherapy, and counseling may be of benefit when there are long-term consequences and psychological implications.

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Some Advice on Preventing and Dealing with Viral Infections

There are several ways to prevent infection and the transmission of germs. These useful tips can help you to remain healthy and develop a stronger immune system:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating properly, obtaining sufficient rest and exercising regularly.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly – before cooking, eating or after visiting the toilet.
Avoid contact with someone who has an illness that you may catch such as a cold, the flu, chickenpox, or measles.
Avoid touching your eyes or nose if you have been in contact with someone who has a cold.
Practice good personal hygiene by showering or bathing everyday, washing your hair, and trimming your nails regularly.
Brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and visit your dentist regularly to prevent infection and cavities.
Use cleaning detergents and rubber gloves when cleaning your home
Pop sponges and dish cloths into the microwave to disinfect them, as they harbor the most germs.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Do not eat or drink while working with contaminated things or while cleaning up.
Practice safe sex. Using condoms during sexual intercourse will reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Eat protein and cooked vegetables at least twice a day as this helps to rebuild the immune system.
Drink bottled or filtered water as it is less likely to be contaminated.
Increase your intake of nutritional supplements to prevent infections by helping to eliminate toxic substances, improve digestion, and balance body chemistry.
Positive attitudes and healthy emotions also strengthen the immune system and help you to live longer and feel younger and healthier.