10 Types of Diseases Caused by Virus

A virus is a type of microbe that can exist in any conceivable place in the environment. It is a single-celled microorganism that needs another cell of a living organism to replicate.

Usually, it enters the body through the mouth, nose, eyes, skin, genitals, or exposed wounds. Then, it invades a healthy cell in your body and multiplies itself. That is how diseases caused by viruses develop in the human body.Read ahead to understand the various types of viruses and the diseases they cause to protect yourself better.

Team Digit

What are Viral Diseases?
Causes of Viral Diseases
List of Viral Diseases
Signs and Symptoms
Damages Caused by Viruses
Associated Risk Factors
Diagnostic Tests
Treatment Methods
Preventive Measures
Does Health Insurance Cover?
Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Viral Diseases?

Any disease resulting from a viral infection is called viral disease. Not all viral diseases are transmissible, which means they do not spread from direct contact. But many of those are highly contagious such as flu, cold, HIV, etc.

Different parts of the body, such as the respiratory and digestive systems, skin, nervous system, etc., can be affected by viral infections. They may present with symptoms like fever, fatigue, and muscle pain, but these particular signs can vary depending on the virus. The way these diseases spread and appear is essential for effective prevention and treatment.

What are the Causes of Viral Diseases?

Viruses spread through the body due to a variety of reasons and factors. Understanding how these infections spread is very important to prevent them.

Direct body fluid contact with an infected person is one of the ways viral infections are transferred.
Droplets emanating from coughs or sneezes transmit this type of virus.
A virus can get on a surface and be picked up when someone touches their face after touching the contaminated surface.
Mosquitoes are vectors that may transmit some viruses, such as those causing dengue fever and Zika virus.
There are sexually transmitted viruses like HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Viruses such as hepatitis A and rotavirus can be spread through the consumption of food and drinks that have been contaminated.
Hepatitis B, C, and other blood-borne viruses result from sharing needles or syringes with infected persons.

10 Diseases Caused by Virus in Humans

Here’s a brief overview of some frequently encountered viral illnesses. Below are some common viral diseases and their symptoms.

1. Gastrointestinal Diseases

These types of viral diseases affect your digestive system, causing gastroenteritis. In addition, stomach flues are highly contagious, spread through contaminated water and food.

Common Symptoms

Stomach ache
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Nausea and headache
Muscle ache
Loss of appetite
Dehydration

Examples

Names of some diseases caused by viruses in your digestive system are as follows:

Rotavirus
Adenovirus
Astroviral infection
Norovirus

2. Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases are some of the most common diseases caused by viruses. These are highly contagious and spread through the sneeze droplet in the air. It starts affecting the upper respiratory tract and can escalate to the lower respiratory tract.

Common Symptoms

Cough and sneeze
Runny or stuffy nose
Mild to high fever
Body and muscle pain

Examples

Below are some names of viral respiratory diseases:

Common cold
Flu or influenza
Infection from Parainfluenza virus
Adenovirus infection
SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Infection from Human Respiratory Syncytial virus

3. Hepatic Diseases

Hepatitis A, B and C viruses affect the human liver and cause inflammation. The disease can worsen if a patient continues with a poor diet and alcohol intake.

Common Symptoms

Fever and fatigue
Stomach ache
Loss of appetite
Pale stool
Abdominal cramps
Vomiting and jaundice

Examples

Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E are some hepatic diseases caused by the virus in humans.

4. Hemorrhagic Diseases

sports-neck-pain-and-man-by-swimming-pool

These viral diseases are acute conditions caused by a damaged cardiovascular system. Hemorrhagic illnesses or fevers can be life-threatening and attack many other organs of your body.

Common Symptoms

Bleeding from mouth and ear
High fever and fatigue
Bleeding in the internal organs
Body pain and headache
Bleeding underneath the skin

Examples

Below are some examples of viral hemorrhagic illness:

Dengue
Yellow fever
Lassa fever
Ebola
Marburg fever
Crimean-Congo fever

5. Cutaneous Diseases

Cutaneous diseases constitute another type of diseases caused by viruses that affect the integumentary system or epidermis. It causes skin lesions that may be persisting for a long while.

Common Symptoms

Flat or raised red spot
Rough and scaly skin
Lesions or sores
Painful or itchy rash
Skin patches

Examples

The followings are some examples of cutaneous diseases -

Molluscum contagiosum or water warts
Genital warts and oral warts
Painful and itchy genital
Chickenpox
Measles

6. Neurologic Diseases

These diseases take place once the virus attacks your central nervous system. It can cause severe damage to your brain and spinal cord. Most of these viral infections are asymptomatic but can have life-threatening consequences.

Common Symptoms

Fever
Confusion
Dizziness
Memory loss
Problem to coordinate

Examples

Below are some neurological diseases caused by viruses:

Acute Flaccid Paralysis or Polio
Viral Encephalitis
Meningitis
Rabies

Prevention from viral infections is not entirely possible as they dwell everywhere. However, maintaining proper hygiene and not sharing your belongings mitigate the risk significantly. Additionally, you must cover your face and wounds to protect yourself from the spread of a virus.

Apart from these safety measures, you must follow a healthy diet and consume fresh food daily. It will strengthen your immune system and fight and cure the diseases caused by viruses.

7. Sexually Transmitted Viral Diseases

Primarily, these viral diseases are sexually transmitted infections that can influence the genital, genitourinary, and reproductive systems. In the respective areas, they often lead to localised manifestations and may also compromise sexual well-being in general.
Common Symptoms

Genital sores or warts
Discharge from the genital area
Pain during intercourse
Itching or irritation

Examples

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Hepatitis B

8. Systemic Viral Diseases

These viral infections affect numerous body systems, resulting in generalized symptoms and possible complications. Systemic reactions like fever and rash can occur as the infections impact different organs and systems.

Common Symptoms

Fever
Rash
Joint pain

Examples

Fatigue
Measles
Chickenpox
Smallpox
COVID-19

9. Viral Encephalitides

Encephalitides are grave viral infections that prompt brain inflammation, causing various signs, from mild influenza-like symptoms to severe neurological impairments. These diseases can severely influence cognitive and nervous function.

Common Symptoms

Severe headache
Seizures
Altered mental status
Sensitivity to light

Examples

West Nile Virus
Japanese Encephalitis
Tick-Borne Encephalitis

10. Opportunistic Viral Infections

These are frequently severe types of infection that rarely occur among healthy people but in individuals with compromised immune function due to underlying conditions. They commonly manifest as severe atypical infections necessitating specialized therapeutic strategies.

Common Symptoms

Persistent infections
Unexplained weight loss
Frequent or severe illness

Examples

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
Kaposi's Sarcoma (associated with HIV/AIDS)
Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)

Damages Caused by Virus in Humans

The overall impact of viral damage can range from mild, temporary symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions, depending on the virus and the individual's health. Viral infections can damage various parts of the body in humans.

Viruses may destroy cells by taking over cellular machinery, causing their death and tissue damage.
This may lead to diseases such as pneumonia, hepatitis, or encephalitis, depending on the affected organ.
Long-term health complications, including liver cirrhosis, immune system suppression, and even cancer, could result from chronic viral infections such as HIV or hepatitis B.

Significant damage can also occur through the body's immune response to viral infection.

Inflammation caused by the virus-infected body can cause cases such as myocarditis (inflammation of heart muscle) and meningitis (swelling around the brain and spinal cord).
Some viruses have the potential to cause genetic mutations, while others initiate autoimmune responses whereby the body incorrectly attacks its tissues.

The extent to which viral damages are harmful depends on an individual's health conditions and the type of pathogen involved, ranging from temporary light symptoms to intense life-threatening conditions.

Risk Factors Associated With Diseases Caused by Viruses

Several factors enhance the likelihood of contracting viral diseases or experiencing severe consequences, such as:

Infection risk is increased by a weakened immune system.
The very young and the old are at a higher risk.
Viral infections can be worsened by chronic conditions.
Close contact with people who have been infected increases the spread of viruses.
Viruses spread easily where there is poor hygiene in place.
Visiting outbreak areas is a risk factor for infection.
Sexual transmission of viruses is enhanced through unprotected sex.
Preventable viral infections become more likely because of a lack of vaccination.
Riskier professions like healthcare increase the chances of infection.
Risk can also be increased by environmental factors such as insects, pollutants, etc.

How are Viral Diseases Diagnosed?

Diagnosing viral diseases involves various methods to accurately identify the presence of a virus. These techniques help determine the specific viral infection and guide appropriate treatment.

Diagnostic Method	Description
Blood Tests	These will be able to detect a viral infection by identifying antibodies against the virus or viral genetic material.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)	Detects the presence of viral genetic material and is hence accurate in diagnosing various kinds of viral infections.
Serology Tests	These tests measure for antibodies or antigens in blood to determine if an individual has been infected with a virus.
Imaging Studies	X-rays or MRIs are used to examine the organs that have been damaged by viruses, such as the lungs and brain.
Viral Cultures	These are done in the laboratory to identify the exact cause of sickness by growing the virus from a sample into cells.
Biopsy	In cases of chronicity, a biopsy is done on tissues to look under a microscope for signs of viral infections.
Rapid Diagnostic Tests	They can detect viral antigens or genetic material and are usually employed with familiar diseases such as the flu.
Microscopy	Using a microscope, it studies small samples to identify affected cells that viruses have invaded.
Urine or Stool Tests	Analyses stool and urine samples to confirm any gastrointestinal or urinary tract infections caused by viruses.
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)	Cerebrospinal fluid is collected via lumbar puncture to establish viruses affecting the central nervous system.

Treatment Methods for Viral Disease

Treatment for viral illnesses includes symptom management and supportive therapy. Among them are antiviral medications, vaccines, and supportive care to help the body fight off the virus effectively.

Antiviral Medications: They prevent viruses from spreading and cause less severe infections by blocking viral replication within host cells. These medicines also help lower viral loads and relieve related symptoms.
Vaccines: They stimulate the immune system to develop immunity against specific viruses, preventing future infections. They are important because they are fundamental in long-term disease prevention and management.
Rest and Hydration: They are important because they support the body's natural healing processes during sickness through adequate rest and fluid intake. This allows the immune system to work more efficiently.
Supportive Care: In addition to managing complications that arise, nutritional support must be offered for it to be considered complete. It helps patients regain health and maintain it at optimum levels.
Isolation: Separation of patients who others have infected to reduce virus spread and community transmission. The most effective way of controlling an outbreak is through isolation measures.
Hospitalisation: Medical attention, which includes treatment plans, needs to be given to such cases that require 24/7 care and monitoring, among others; hence, it ensures appropriate and timely interventions for them.

Preventive Measures to Control Diseases Caused by Viruses

Apart from these safety measures, you must eat healthy and consume fresh food daily. It will strengthen your immune system and fight and cure the diseases caused by viruses.

Does Health Insurance Cover Viral Diseases?

If you have flu or any other viral infection, the health insurance company can possibly cater for visits to the doctor and lab tests that involve prescribing antiviral drugs. The level of coverage might also differ, as well as the particular viral infection, depending on your insurance plan.

Some plans may need pre-authorisation or not allow certain treatments at all. Just read your policy details because it will help you know about out-of-pocket expense coverage, apart from ensuring you get better copayments and deductibles.

Viruses are responsible for different illnesses, varying in strength from mild to severe. It is important to understand different types of viral infections, signs pointing towards their occurrence, risk factors involved, and possible treatment options for effective management and prevention. One must be knowledgeable enough regarding these diseases so that they do not occur, and one must also know when to consult a doctor.

FAQs about Diseases Caused by Virus

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Is polio a virus?

Yes, polio is a virus that causes polio or poliomyelitis, a life-threatening and disabling disease.

Which virus causes chickenpox?

Varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox. It is a highly contagious infection that spreads through direct contact.

What are viral diseases?

In essence, viral diseases describe the illnesses caused by viruses, little pathogens that replicate in living cells.

How are viral diseases transmitted?

This can occur through direct contact with an infected person, a surface that is contaminated, droplets released into the air when someone coughs or sneezes, and body fluids such as blood and urine.

What are the common symptoms of viral infections?

Some common signs include high temperatures, feeling tired all the time, coughing up phlegm, and having severe headaches and sore throats all at once, while others may have some muscle pains.

How can viral diseases be diagnosed?

Diagnosis of viral diseases is often done using blood samples to check for antibodies or detect traces of virus genetic material using PCR tests. Other diagnoses may involve culture tests for viruses in laboratory settings as well as radiological examinations like those done on x-rays or tissues taken out surgically, known as biopsies.

Can viral diseases be treated?

Depending on the virus involved, treatment approaches can vary from antiviral drugs to symptom relief medications as well as supportive care services, which include both medical procedures and attention given by caregivers.

Are there vaccines available for viral diseases?

Yes, Vaccines against viral infections such as Influenza, measles (rubella), and Hepatitis A, among others, have been developed over time into various forms.

What is the difference between a virus and a bacteria?

Viruses need host cells to reproduce, unlike bacteria, which do not require any outside assistance towards this end because they are single-celled organisms also independently capable of reproducing their kind over a period of time.

Can viral diseases be prevented?

Yes, to prevent contracting any disease caused by a virus from happening, you should get vaccinated against it where possible, use appropriate hygiene practices such as washing hands frequently, and avoid touching your mouth/nose/eyes.

Are viral diseases always serious?

Not all viral diseases are severe; some may cause mild symptoms, while others can lead to serious health complications.

How can I reduce my risk of contracting viral infections?

Reducing risk involves regular handwashing, getting vaccinated, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and maintaining overall health.

10 Types of Diseases Caused by Virus

Table of Contents

What Are Viral Diseases?

What are the Causes of Viral Diseases?

10 Diseases Caused by Virus in Humans

1. Gastrointestinal Diseases

2. Respiratory Diseases

3. Hepatic Diseases

4. Hemorrhagic Diseases

5. Cutaneous Diseases

6. Neurologic Diseases

7. Sexually Transmitted Viral Diseases

8. Systemic Viral Diseases

9. Viral Encephalitides

10. Opportunistic Viral Infections

Damages Caused by Virus in Humans

Risk Factors Associated With Diseases Caused by Viruses

How are Viral Diseases Diagnosed?

Treatment Methods for Viral Disease

Preventive Measures to Control Diseases Caused by Viruses

Does Health Insurance Cover Viral Diseases?

FAQs about Diseases Caused by Virus

Is polio a virus?

Which virus causes chickenpox?

What are viral diseases?

How are viral diseases transmitted?

What are the common symptoms of viral infections?

How can viral diseases be diagnosed?

Can viral diseases be treated?

Are there vaccines available for viral diseases?

What is the difference between a virus and a bacteria?

Can viral diseases be prevented?

Are viral diseases always serious?

How can I reduce my risk of contracting viral infections?

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