What is a viral infection?

A virus is a microorganism that infiltrates living cells in order to replicate and survive. A viral infection occurs when a virus enters the body and attacks the cells.

If you have a strong immune system, your body can usually fight off the viral infection. Your body will frequently retain a “memory” of this virus, which means you will be immune to it in the future. Some viruses can’t be killed by the immune system, so they stay in the body for a long time and cause symptoms to come back over and over again for years.

Virus infections, unlike bacterial infections, do not respond to antibiotics. Antiviral medications can be prescribed, but they will not cure a viral infection; instead, they will help keep the virus under control and reduce the severity of symptoms.

A viral infection is caused by virus exposure. Viruses infect their hosts by invading their normal cells and using these cells to multiply and produce other viruses similar to themselves.

How can I catch a viral infection?

Coughing and sneezing, contact with infected vomit or feces (poo), exposure to bodily fluids in sex, or sharing needles are all ways for viruses to spread from person to person.

How is a viral infection treated?

If a baby, an elderly person, or someone with a weakened immune system gets a viral infection, they should see their doctor and get medicine.

Because viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics, most viral respiratory tract infections do not require prescription treatment. If your symptoms are mild, you can treat them at home with prescription pain relievers such as Primovir, Paxzen, cough syrup, and Paxista.

Your symptoms haven’t gone away after a couple of weeks, or if they are extremely severe, you should seek medical attention. If you suspect you have pneumonia, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. If your symptoms are severe, you may require hospitalization for pneumonia.

Most people, however, can rely on their immune systems to combat the majority of viral infections. As a result, most viral infection treatments aim to alleviate symptoms while you recover. This could include:

• resting at home
• sipping water for hydration
• drinking lemon and honey drinks for coughs and colds
• taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever.

Do antibiotics help viral infections?

Antibiotics are ineffective in the treatment of viruses because they only kill bacteria. Antibiotic resistance can develop when antibiotics are used to treat viral infections. Antibiotic overuse causes bacteria to evolve into antibiotic-resistant strains, rendering antibiotics ineffective. The more antibiotics that are used, the more likely bacteria are to develop resistance.

Antibiotics must be saved in order to treat severe bacterial infections.

How do I protect myself against viral infections?

You can protect yourself against viruses that cause infections such as the flu, measles, rubella (German measles), mumps, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B by staying vaccinated. Vaccination or previous infection means that if you are exposed to the virus again, you will likely have fewer symptoms and recover faster, or you may not get sick at all.

Some viruses, such as those that cause the common cold, can, however, spread from person to person. Vaccination against these viruses is challenging because the viruses have already changed by the time vaccines are developed.

To avoid catching a virus:

• Wash your hands often, especially after using the toilet, after handling pets and animals, and before preparing or eating food.
• Avoid close contact with people who have a cold or the flu or another virus.
• Don’t share household items (like cups and towels) with someone who has a virus.
• Support your immune system by eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, exercising regularly and living in a warm, dry home.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs as these can weaken your immune system.

How do I prevent the spread of my viral infection?

Viruses are easily transmitted from person to person. When you have a viral infection, take the following precautions to avoid infecting others:

• Stay away from work, school or childcare until your symptoms improve.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap.