viruses can also be spread through contaminated objects, such as doorknobs, tabletops, and personal items. If you touch one of these objects and then touch your nose or eyes, you could develop a disease. Respiratory viral diseases usually heal on their own. But over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including nasal decongestants, cough suppressants, and pain relievers, can help to reduce symptoms.In addition, Tamiflu, an antiviral drug, is sometimes prescribed if someone is in the very early stages of developing the flu. The best way to avoid respiratory viral diseases is to practice good personal hygiene. Wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and limit your interactions with people who show symptoms of a respiratory condition. Gastrointestinal viruses are shed in the stool during bowel movements. Food or water that’s been contaminated by feces can spread the virus to others. You can also get the virus from sharing utensils or personal objects with someone who has a virus.
Vaccines can help prevent you from getting many viral diseases. Not all viral diseases are contagious. This means they aren’t always spread from person to person. But many of them are. Common examples of contagious viral diseases include the flu, the common cold, HIV, and herpes.Other types of viral diseases spread through other means, such as the bite of an infected insect. Respiratory viruses are spread by droplets generated through coughing or sneezing. If someone with a viral illness coughs or sneezes nearby and you inhale these droplets, youmay develop the disease.These viruses can also be spread through contaminated objects, such as doorknobs, tabletops, and personal items.
Viral diseases are extremely widespread infections caused by viruses, a type of microorganism. There are many types of viruses that cause a wide variety of viral diseases. The most common type of viral disease is the common cold, which is caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). Other common viral diseases include:
Chickenpox
Flu (influenza)
Herpes
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS)
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Infectious mononucleosis
Mumps, measles and rubella
Viral diseases result in a wide variety of symptoms that vary in character and severity depending on the type of viral infection and other factors, including the person’s age and overall health. Common symptoms of viral diseases include flu-like symptoms and malaise.
Viral diseases are not treatable with antibiotics, which can only cure bacterial diseases and infections. However, the most common viral diseases, the common cold and the flu, are self-limiting in generally healthy people. This means that the viral infection causes illness for a period of time, then it resolves and symptoms disappear as your immune system attacks the virus and your body recovers.