Most Common Types of Viral Infections

Viruses are very small germs made of genetic substances encircled by a protein coat. They attack normal and healthy cells to reproduce and grow other viruses like them. Diverse viruses attack some specific cells in the human body including the liver, blood, and respiratory system. Viruses cause common infectious diseases like flu, common cold, and warts. However, they can also cause severe health diseases such as Ebola, smallpox, and HIV/AIDS. A test for a viral infection is done to detect infection-causing viruses. People may get viruses by inhaling them, through sexual contact, or by getting bitten by insects.

Types of Viral Infections:

Respiratory infections

The most common type of viral infection is related to the respiratory system. It affects the lungs, upper airways, and throat. A respiratory infection can cause severe symptoms in children, old people, and those suffering from heart or lung problems. Some common respiratory infections are the common cold, sore throat, pneumonia, sinus, and influenza.

In addition, some other viruses can infect different body parts in patients. Some of them are mentioned below:

Liver

Infections in the liver can result in hepatitis.

Nervous system

Some specific viruses including the West Nile virus and rabies affect the brain and cause encephalitis. Other viruses in the same infection infect the tissue layers that coat up the spinal cord and brain, causing polio or meningitis.

Gastrointestinal tract

Infection in the gastrointestinal tract is commonly caused by noroviruses and rotaviruses.

Skin

Viruses that infect only the skin often cause warts or other skin problems. Some specific viruses can affect other areas in the body causing rashes and chickenpox.

Placenta and fetus

Some specific viruses such as cytomegalovirus, the rubella virus, and the Zika virus can affect the placenta and foetus in pregnant women.

Different types of tests can be used to check for viruses. These tests include an antibody test, viral culture test, viral antigen detection test, and viral DNA or RNA detection test. All leading diagnostic centres provide multiple methods for the diagnosis of viral infections in patients. These labs provide users the ease to book medical tests online through their website or smart phone apps.