A viral illness, as its name suggests, is an illness that is caused by a virus. Viruses are microorganisms that invade your cells and reprogram them to produce a virus. Unlike bacterial infections, viral illnesses require a living host to survive and cannot be treated with antibiotics.
With so many viral illnesses, how can you tell the difference? How can you protect yourself?
- Pay attention to your symptoms.
- See a medical professional.
- Get the proper vaccinations.
The medical professionals at FastMed Urgent Care are trained for adult and pediatric urgent care, and they are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For non-life-threatening conditions, this makes FastMed a quick, convenient, and affordable alternative to the emergency room.
Different Types of Viral Illnesses:
There are several types of viral illnesses. The most common viral illness is the common cold. It is a condition that causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and sore throat. Most of us have had a cold at least once in our lives, and colds rarely cause any serious complications. Other viral illnesses, however, such as influenza, viral pneumonia, and HIV can be extremely serious if not properly treated.
What is Influenza (the flu)?
The flu is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system and causes fever, muscle aches, chills, fatigue, dry cough, and nasal congestion. Because the symptoms of influenza are so similar to that of the common cold, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two.
The main differences between the flu and the common cold:
- The flu usually causes a high-grade fever; a cold does not.
- The symptoms of the flu are much more extreme than that of a cold.
- The flu often causes extreme exhaustion; the common cold almost never does.
- What is viral pneumonia?
Viral pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs that often develops from influenza, adenovirus, or respiratory syncytial virus. Viral pneumonia causes coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and chills.
What is HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV attacks the immune system and makes it difficult for your body to fight infection. HIV is transmitted through the blood, semen, or vaginal fluids, and it is commonly passed from person to person during sex.
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