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Viral Infection

Types of Viral Infection

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What Is Viral Infection?

 A virus is a small piece of material that looks for a host to live inside and multiply. Unlike bacteria, they can survive on their own while viruses need a living host to survive. When a virus enters the host cell, it takes over the command center of the cell and starts to imitate the copies of itself. 

The viral infection occurs when a virus infects a host cell and begins replicating. The infection may be localized, known as a localized infection, or may spread throughout the body, known as a systemic infection.

What Are The Types Of Viral Infection?

Viral Respiratory Infections

Viral infections can affect different areas and systems of the body, the most common of which is the respiratory system. The following are some examples of common viral infections may include:

1. Viral Respiratory Infections

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • Adenovirus
  • Rhinovirus (common cold)
  • Influenza (the flu)

2. Viral Infections with Skin Rashes

3. Viral Sexually Transmitted Infections 

4. Other Viral Infections 

  • Norovirus (stomach flu)
  • Viral hepatitis

How To Prevent Viral Infection?

Several viral infections can be completely avoided by a simple vaccine. Vaccines are currently available for:

  • HPV
  • Hepatitis B
  • Chickenpox and shingles
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
  • Influenza 
  • COVID-19

Practicing good personal hygiene and lifestyle habits is another effective strategy for preventing disease. This includes:

  • Learning about strategies to reduce your risk of contact with virus-bearing vectors, like ticks and mosquitoes
  • Practicing food safety techniques to lessen exposure to pathogens that can cause food poisoning
  • Engaging in safe sex practices to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Medications Used For Kidney Infection

Treatment for Viral Infection

Symptom management is usually used to treat viral infections. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to ease pain and reduce fever while resting for fatigue until the virus is gone. Viral infections are difficult to treat. Hepatitis C, for instance, requires a strict medication regimen for several weeks up to a few months before the virus is cleared from your body. If you take medications early enough after being exposed to other viruses, you may speed up your recovery. The medications in this category include those that treat influenza and shingles (herpes zoster). While HIV medications keep the virus under control, they do not cure it. Their primary role is to prevent it from replicating and causing more damage.

Medications used for viral infections may include:

For viral infections, their lots of things that you can do over the counter to help your symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no medication that we can give that will speed your recovery, so mainly it’s making you feel better while your body’s fighting off the infection over about a week.

STD

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

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Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) is an infection that is commonly acquired by sexual contact. Most are fairly common and effective treatment is available, especially in the early. 

Some STDs are benign, but others may lead to severe complications without treatment. This infection may affect anyone, regardless of the individual’s sexual orientation or hygiene standards. Lots of STDs can spread through non-penetrative sexual activity. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

herpes

STDs have a range of symptoms, including no symptoms at all. That’s why they may go unnoticed until complications occur or a partner is diagnosed. 

Symptoms that may indicate STD may include:

  • Pain during sex
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding 
  • Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge 
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Painful or burning urination 
  • Core or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
  • A rash over the trunk, hands, or feet
  • Fever
  • Lower abdominal pain 
  • Sore, swollen lymph nodes 

These symptoms may appear a few days after being exposed to the infection. However, it might take years before you have any noticeable complications. 

What Causes Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

Infections, including STDs, can take many forms. STDs caused by bacteria include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. STDs caused by viruses include HIV, genital herpes, genital warts (HPV), and hepatitis B. Trichomoniasis is caused by parasites.

STD-causing germs can be found in semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and sometimes saliva. Vaginal, anal, or oral sex is the most common way for these organisms to spread, but some, such as those that cause genital herpes and genital warts, may spread through skin contact. Hepatitis B can be contracted by sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors, with someone who has it.

Needle sharing 

Who Are At Risk Of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

Anyone who is sexually active risks some degree of exposure to an STD. factors that may increase the risk may include:

  • Needle sharing 
  • Being forced to engage in sexual activity 
  • Having a history of STD
  • Having sexual contact with multiple partners
  • Having unprotected sex 

How to Diagnose Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)?

If your sexual history and current symptoms suggest that you have STD, your doctor will do a physical or pelvic exam to look for signs of infection. 

Laboratory tests may identify the cause and detect coinfections you may also have. Tests may include:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine samples
  • Fluid samples

Treatment and Medication for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

STDs caused by bacteria are commonly easier to treat. Viral infections can be managed but are not always cured. Treatment for STD usually consists of the following depending on the infection:

1. Antibiotics

2. Antiviral Drug 

If you’ve had this infection, ask your doctor how long after treatment you need to be retested. Getting retested will make sure that the treatment worked and that you haven’t been reinfected. 

Encephalitis

Encephalitis in Children

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Encephalitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain. This type of infection causes problems with the function of the spinal cord and brain. The inflammation causes the brain to swell which may lead to changes in the neurological condition of the child including seizures and mental confusion. 

Common Symptoms of Encephalitis in Children

The symptoms of Encephalitis may depend on the age of your child, the part of the brain that is inflamed which causes the inflammation, and the degree of inflammation. Every child in the same situation may show symptoms differently. Some of the most common symptoms of Encephalitis may include:

Skin rashes

Encephalitis Causes

Encephalitis means that the brain tissue has become inflamed, and this can be caused by different things:

  • It can be the immune system over-reacting to an infection that might not even be still present in the body.
  • It can be the normal reaction of the body to a viral or bacterial infection.
  • It can have an autoimmune cause and occur without an infection of any kind.

Viruses and Other Infectious Agents 

There are some viruses that we know may cause Encephalitis:

  • Enteroviruses: These viruses enter the body through the gastrointestinal tract and can also cause hand-foot-mouth disease.
  • Herpes simplex virus: This is a common cause of encephalitis. Most children have been exposed to this virus, and your child may be infected with it even if they do not have a cold sore or blister around their mouth or other sign of the virus.
  • Measles and chickenpox viruses: Keeping your child up-to-date with their vaccinations greatly lowers the rate of encephalitis from these viruses. 
Diagnosing Encephalitis

Diagnosing Encephalitis in Children

Your child’s treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Your child’s doctor will ask about your child’s medical history, including their immunization history, and whether they have been exposed to viruses that cause encephalitis through activities or anywhere else.

Some of the procedures used to diagnose encephalitis include:

  • Blood, urine, and stool tests to check for indications of infection
  • Electroencephalogram to see if your child is having subtle underlying seizures
  • Magnetic resonance imaging to look at detailed images that can show inflammation in the brain
  • Lumbar puncture to take a small sample of spinal fluid to look for infections, like viruses and bacteria
  • CT scan of the brain, to make sure that the symptoms aren’t caused by another cause

Treatment for Encephalitis in Children

Specific treatment for Encephalitis will determine by the doctor of your child based on:

  • The extent of the condition
  • The age of your child, medical history, and overall health 
  • The tolerance of your child for certain medications, therapies, and procedures 

Your child will be treated for 2-3 days with IV medications to fight certain bacteria and the herpes simplex virus. Doctors may recommend medications depending on your child’s condition, such as:

Acyclovir Topical (Zovirax) - An antiviral drug

Acyclovir Topical (Zovirax) – An antiviral drug

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Acyclovir topical is an antiviral drug used in the treatment of skin disease. This disease is caused by herpes simplex virus. It does not cure the disease or prevents it but it helps in slow down the growth and spread of the disease or lessens the symptoms. Once the action is slow down, the body can fight against the infection. Herpes can cause cold sores (red, fluid filled blisters) and genital herpes. Cold sores can be seen mostly near mouth or on other areas of face. It can also be rarely seen on other parts of the body like fingers, nose or inside the mouth. both are contagious. It can be transmitted from one person to another and can last for 15 days or longer.

It stays in nerve tissues. It does not produce any symptoms when it is “asleep” it can affect skin surface, lip and other area by causing blister when it is “awake”.

Types of Herpes

There are two types as follows:

  1. Herpes simplex type 1 virus – this cause cold sores – oral herpes.
  2. Herpes simplex 2 virus – mainly cause genital herpes.

Stages of herpes infection

  1. The tingle stage (Prodrome stage – day 1 & 2) – these are 1st indications. One can face burning, stinging, itching, soreness, tautness or swelling in the affected area.
  2. The blister stage (day 2 & 3) – One can see formation of multiple fluid filled blisters
  3. The weeping stage (Ulcer stage – day 4) – The blister ruptures and fluid with herpes virions are released and sore transforms into ulcer.
  4. The crusting stage (day 5 to 8) – the scabbing takes place where the infected skin is not moist.
  5. The final healing stage (day 9 to 12) – One can see the sore starts healing as the time passes on.

Acyclovir Cream

It is used in the treatment of cold sores. Cream should be applied 4 to 6 times per day for at least 4 days or as directed by physicians as soon as the symptom occurs or when the lesion appear. Each gram of zovirax 5% cream contain 5 mg of acyclovir. It is an antiviral medication which reduces the pain and severity of herpes lesion or sores.

Acyclovir Tablet (Orally)

These tablets are used in the treatment of cold sores, shingles caused by herpes zoster and chicken pox. It is also seen useful for treating genital herpes. It is taken orally as per the doctors’ prescription, mostly 2 to 5 times per day with lot of water or any fluid ( drinking ) . It is available both in capsules or suspension.

Limitation of Zovirax (Generic Name Acyclovir)

There are some limitation with the use of zovirax ,but only in very rare cases.

  1. The most important is, it cannot cure the herpes but it only helps in reducing its symptoms i.e it reduces its ability to multiply in your body. It can still be alive in body and can come back after the present blisters and other symptoms are cured.
  2. Use of acyclovir can cause nausea, vomiting, Diarrhea, headache, weakness etc in some patients.
  3. It may decrease red blood cells count in the body.
  4. It can show skin reactions.
  5. It can even cause threatening for vision.
  6. Some people can also suffer from allergic reaction like difficulty in breathing, rashes, swelling in throat and on tongue etc.
  7. Long term use of acyclovir suppressive regimens can develop acyclovir resistant HSV in infants.
  8. It does not guarantee the recurrence of the blisters after giving a long term treatment also.

Acyclovir is mostly a safe and effective medicine  and the above mentioned reactions  are very rare side effects rarely seen . A patient can be given treatment of suppressive acyclovir therapy for nearly 5 to 10 years. It may be used in pregnancy too. Acyclovir cost much lower as compared to the brand product of Zovirax. As Acyclovir cream show clear and nearly same effects as compare to brand Zovirax.

Buy Acyclovir

Medication To Treat & Prevent Infections Caused by Herpes Viruses

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Acyclovir is an antiviral medication. It is prescribed by most doctors for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by herpes viruses such as:
  • Chickenpox (varicella)
  • Acute shingles (herpes zoster)
  • Cold sores
  • Genital herpes
  • Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Acyclovir is sometimes used to treat eczema herpeticum and oral hairy leukoplakia. It is also used for the prevention of herpes infections of the skin, nose and mouth among patients with HIV.Acyclovir is approved by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA as a prescription drug. It is commonly used as an oral treatment, topical and injectable for herpes infections. Acyclovir helps treat the pain associated with a genital herpes outbreak. It is sometimes used for the prevention of genital herpes outbreak in people who are infected with the virus. It speeds up the healing of blisters or sores in people with shingles and chickenpox.How to take Acyclovir?Acyclovir treatment starts as soon as the first symptoms appear. This may include blisters, tingling and burning sensation. Take Acyclovir exactly as prescribed by your physician. For oral suspension, shake the bottle well every time you take the medication. Use the dose-measuring spoon or device that comes along with the medicine. For the oral tablet, take it with plenty of water to keep your kidney working properly.Genital Herpes:The recommended initial dose is 200 mg every 4 hours for 10 days. For intermittent recurrence, take 200 mg every 4 hours for 5 days. For chronic suspension recurrence, take 400 mg every 12 hours for 12 months.Shingles:
  • Adult– For acute treatment, take 800 mg every 4 hours for 7 to 10 days
  • Pediatric– 20mg/kg IV every 8 hours for 7 days for children younger than 12 years of age. For children older than 12 years of age, take 800 mg every 4 hours for 7 to 10 days.
Chickenpox:
  • Adult– Take 800mg every 6 hours for 5 days
  • Pediatric– The recommended dose is 20 mg/ kg every 6 hours for 5 days for children below 40kg. Children who weight greater than 40kg, the dose is 800mg every 6 hours for 5 days.
What are the side effects of acyclovir?Common side effects are:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Feeling unwell
Serious side effects are:
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Weakness
  • Pale skin
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Blood in the urine
  • Swelling of the face, throat, eye, hands, feet and legs
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
Important Information
  • Herpes virus infections are contagious. People infected with this type of virus can spread the virus even while they are under treatment. To prevent the infections from spreading, avoid contact with other people. Avoid letting infected areas comes in contact with other people.
  • Pregnant women with genital herpes can pass the virus to their baby during childbirth.
  • Speak with your physician if you are taking any other medications.
  • Patients with a reduced kidney function must use this medication with caution.

Chickenpox (VARICELLA): Signs, Symptoms, Prevention and Medications

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Chickenpox is a condition caused by a virus “Varicella-Zoster”. The disease causes an itchy red blister that occurs all over your body. Chickenpox is a contagious disease. It can spread from one person to another through direct contact.

Everyone can get this disease. Infant and adult with a weak immune system are more prone to this disease. It can also lead to a serious health problem and other skin diseases. The best prevention for this disease is to get vaccinated.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CHICKENPOX

The symptoms of chickenpox may include:

  • Fever
  • A headache
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Muscle Pain
  • Having a raised pink or red bumps (Papules)
  • A small fluid-filled blister (Vesicles)
  • Crusts and cabs may develop

The infection may occur about 21 days and below and it last about 5 to 7 days.

SOURCES OF INFECTION

The main source of this infection is a virus called “Varicella-Zoster”. If the virus occurs to a person, it can spread to another person. The virus can spread in different ways such as:

  • Through the Saliva
  • Through Coughing
  • Through Sneezing
  • Direct contact with fluid from the Blister

RISK AND PREVENTION

WHO GETS CHICKEN POX?

The following are the people at risk of developing the disease such as:

  • Haven’t had a chicken pox vaccine
  • Never had a chicken pox
  • A weak immune system
  • A pregnant women
  • Taking certain medication
  • Direct contact with an infected person
  • Has a cancer
  • Infant and Children
  • Adult
  • Having a chronic disease
  • Working in a school or child care
  • Exposure in a room with an infected person
  • Sharing things with a person with the disease
  • Patients who had a transplant

PREVENTION

The listed below are ways to prevent yourself from developing the disease.

  • Get vaccinated for chickenpox.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Keep your immune system strong.
  • Avoid getting close to an infected person.
  • Set up a cozy room for a family member with chickenpox.
  • Don’t share cups, dishes, and utensils with a person with the disease.
  • Do not share your personal things.
  • Disinfect your home.
  • Avoid kissing a person who has chickenpox.

DIAGNOSIS

In diagnosing, the doctor will examine the rash and your symptoms. After conducting a physical exam. He may suggest you to undergo some test such as:

  • A culture of Lesion Samples
  • Blood Tests
  • ELISA

If the diagnosis is done, the treatment for the disease comes next. Your doctor will prescribe you some medication for treating your condition.

TREATMENT / MEDICATIONS

The doctor may prescribe an antihistamine drug, to relieve itching. Also, some antiviral drugs will do such as:

In some cases, this condition doesn’t require a treatment. Mostly it is advisable to just run its course.

B VIRUS

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B virus is an infection caused by a herpes virus. The virus is often referred as the herpesvirus B, herpes B and herpesvirus simiae. The virus is commonly occurs in monkeys. The infection is extremely rare in human but when it occurs, it can be fatal. This virus can cause a severe brain damage resulting to death if left untreated. About 80% of patients die due to B virus infection.

CAUSES

The infection occurs from animal bites and scratches. You can get it through contaminated materials that penetrate your broken skin.

RISK FOR INFECTION

The following are at risk of getting the infection.

  • Laboratory Workers
  • Veterinarians
  • Monkey owner
  • A person connected to old world macaques

The infection can spread through animal bite and by having direct contact with the eyes, nose or mouth with infected tissues. It can spread also by indirect contact through a contaminated needle,

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The following are symptoms occur in human with B virus infection:

  • Fever and chills
  • Fatigue
  • A severe headache
  • Body aches and pain
  • Small blisters
  • Numbness
  • Itchiness on affected areas
  • Pain on affected areas
  • Short breathing
  • Muscular incoordination

TRANSMISSION

Below are route on how the infection can transmit:

  • A needlestick from a contaminated syringe.
  • A bite or a scratch from an infected animal.
  • An exposure to nervous tissue.
  • Exposure to the skull of the infected animal.
  • Having a scratch from a dirty sharp-edged surface
  • The saliva of the infected monkey transfer to your wound by licking.
  • The urine of an infected animal.
  • An infected person transmits the disease to another person. Through the use of contaminated things.

FIRST AID AND TREATMENT

This condition is rare in human. If you’re bitten by an infected animal, it can be fatal if left untreated. Treatment and first aid for the situation may help.

FIRST AID:

  • Clean the expose affected area with soap and water.
  • Irrigate the affected area with running water for about 15minutes.
  • Apply alcohol or betadine to disinfect the wound.
  • Cover the wound with cloth or gauze pad to avoid dust.
  • A broken skin must clean adequately.
  • Using the Antiviral therapy such Valacyclovir and Acyclovir

PREVENTION

The following are ways to help prevent B virus from spreading:

  1. Proper use of personal protective equipment. They must be worn when you’re working with macaque monkey such as:
  • Lab coats
  • Gloves
  • Face mask
  1. If you happened to get a bite, be sure to clean the affected area immediately.
  2. If you’re working with macaque monkeys. You must work through using restraint method. It lessens the potential for any bites and scratches.
  3. If you’ve been bitten by the infected animal, take antiviral medicine right away.
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How To Treat Herpes Simplex?

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Herpes simplex is a virus. It is commonly known as herpes. Herpes causes two common diseases that are both contagious and painful. Herpes infections can appear in different parts of the body especially around the mouth and genitals.

The infection on the mouth is known as fever blisters or cold sores. Herpes simplex virus 1 can cause this type of infection. Herpes simplex virus 2 on the other hand is responsible for the infection in the genitals.

What causes herpes simplex?

Herpes simplex virus is contagious. The virus can spread quickly during an outbreak. You can get infected from touching a herpes sore. Once infected, you will have to carry the virus for the rest of your life.

Who gets herpes simplex?

Anyone can get herpes simplex virus. The risk is based on the exposure to the virus. HSV-1 is transmitted through oral secretion or sores on the skin.

You can get HSV-1 when you:

  • Use eating utensil, shaver, toothbrush of infected person
  • Sharing lip balm
  • Kissing
  • Touching a herpes sore

You can get HSV-2 when:

  • Through oral sex

What Are the Symptoms of Herpes Simplex?

Symptoms appear as:

  • Blisters on the affected area

Blisters are painful. It breaks open and often secretes fluid.

  • Itching

Skin may itch for days before the blisters will appear

  • Painful urination

Person with genital herpes have problem urinating.

You may also experience flu-like symptoms. This includes:

  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Tiredness
  • Lack of appetite

There are times when the virus spread to the eye. If this happens, you can experience pain in the eye and eye discharge. Immediate treatment is important to avoid scarring.

How is herpes simplex treated?

The virus has no cure. The virus remains in the body of the infected person. It will become active when trigger.  To prevent the spreading of the virus your doctor will focus on getting rid of the sores.

Your doctor can prescribe an oral antiviral medicine and antiviral cream like acyclovir. Acyclovir helps in effectively relieve the pain caused by the sores. It can also shorten the herpes outbreak. Medication can also lower the frequency of outbreak.

In case of HSV-1 outbreak you can do the following to prevent the sores from spreading:

  • Avoid direct contact with other person
  • Wash your hands properly after touching your sores
  • Use cotton swab in applying medication on sores.