Prevention of Viral Diseases

   Viral diseases are among those which spread from one person to another. Illness develops when a virus enters the body, invades healthy cells and replicates itself. At times, a virus can mutate itself during the replication process, making it more difficult for the body to fight. Viruses depend on other living organisms to survive and are hard to remove once in the body. Few medications fight viruses, making the body's immune system the best protection against infection.

    Viruses range in severity, making some life threatening conditions. Viruses have several groups in which they are categorized based on shape, behaviors and other common characteristics. For instance, the picornaviruses group includes the rhino-viruses which cause the common cold, or the papovaviruses which includes the papilloma virus known to women as HPV. More serious viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C fall into groups of viruses known to generate their own DNA, enabling them to replicate themselves repeatedly within the body.

    Transmission
    Viruses are transmitted from one person to another through touching, breathing, bites and contact with body fluids (saliva, blood, semen or excrement). The most common form of transmission is by inhaling droplets of a virus in the air you breathe. Shared objects such as spoons, cups, door knobs and pencils that have been exposed can carry droplets of a virus from person to person. Insects and animals can transmit viruses by biting a human or another animal.
    Direct contact with body fluids can cause virus transmission, but only when certain conditions are met. Direct contact requires a significant amount of body fluid to be present, the person to have direct contact with the fluid, have a point of entry for the virus to enter into the body (cuts, scrapes, eyes, mouth) and be susceptible to the virus.

    Effects
    Viruses cause illness and discomfort for the sufferer, many of them are often temporary and usually non-life threatening. Effects of viruses can include symptoms such as dehydration, nausea, vomiting, high fever and weakness. Viruses such as Influenza cannot be cured with medication, but their effects can be kept under control until it finally disappears.
    Viruses, such as strains of Hepatitis, HIV and herpes, do not disappear. Their effects are felt throughout a lifetime for the person infected, sometimes resulting in death.

    Prevention
    Following simple steps can greatly reduce the risk of contracting a virus. Use bandages to cover scrapes, cuts or open sores at all times. Do not eat, drink, touch your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands and avoid handling pens, pencils or other items that belong to others. Never drink from someone else's beverage containers or eat from another persons soiled utensils. Frequent hand washing is highly recommended with soap and warm running water or an alcohol based sanitizing hand gel.

    Cleaning
    Bleach based products are extremely effective in killing 99.9% of germs and viruses in, and around, the home. If the cost of bleach based cleansers is an issue, 1 1/2 cups of chlorine bleach to a gallon of fresh water will clean with the same effectiveness. You may add a few drops of dish detergent to the mixture for a soapy consistency.
    Regular cleaning is recommended for door handles, bathroom sinks, toilets and toothbrush holders in an effort to reduce the chances of contracting a strain of flu or the common cold.