Diseases caused by viruses, also called viruses, are those whose etiologic agent is several viruses.
Some of viral diseases, if not treated, can lead to the patient's death. Generally, they do not have a specific treatment, as the body produces antibodies to fight the virus.
Check below a list of 20 of the main viral diseases.
- AIDS
- Chickenpox
- Mumps
- COVID-19
- Dengue
- Ebola
- Yellow fever
- Chikungunya fever
- Zika fever
- The flu
- viral hepatitis
- Herpes
- HPV
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Polio
- Anger
- Rubella
- Measles
- Smallpox
1. AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks the circulatory and immune systems.
The disease is transmitted through sexual contact, blood and from mother to child. As it affects the immune system, other diseases can appear at a more advanced stage such as cancer, meningitis, tuberculosis, etc.
Learn more aboutAIDS.
2. Chickenpox
Chickenpox, also called chickenpox, is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which causes a skin infection. Transmission takes place through contact with the secretions of patients with the disease.
Characteristic of the disease is the appearance of red blisters on the body and itching. Thus, the use of some medications that reduce itching are recommended by specialists.
3. Mumps
Mumps is caused by the virus of the Paramyxovirus genus, which mainly attacks the digestive system. Transmission occurs through contact with the patient's secretions and also by sharing objects.
Although it is common to attack the salivary glands, mumps can affect other parts of the body, such as the testes, ovaries and pancreas.
Know what thevirus.
4. COVID-19
COVID-19 is an acute respiratory syndrome, a disease associated with the respiratory system and caused by SARS-CoV-2, a virus of the coronavirus family. In 2020, the disease outbreak was classified as a pandemic, due to its high degree of spread.
When the coronavirus attacks the body, it causes manifestations ranging from the common flu to fatal pneumonia. Other coronaviruses can also cause respiratory diseases, such as the SARS-CoV virus, which caused an epidemic between 2002 and 2003.
You may also be interested inbiggest pandemics in human history.
5. Dengue
Dengue is caused by Den I to IV viruses of the Flavivirus genus, which attack the circulatory and immune systems. Transmission occurs through mosquito bites Aedes aegypti, main vector.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever is the most serious manifestation of the disease, when the patient has hemorrhage, circulation problems and an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly).
Learn more about dengue.
6. Ebola
Hemorrhagic fever is caused by the Ebola virus, which attacks the circulatory and immune systems. This virus can be transferred through contact between infected humans, animals and materials.
Bats are believed to be the most likely reservoir of Ebola virus disease. This zoonosis became an epidemic in West African countries between 2014 and 2015.
also knowwhat is epidemic.
7. Yellow fever
Yellow fever is caused by the Flavivirus genus virus, which attacks the circulatory and immune systems. Transmission occurs through the bite of vector mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Haemogogus.
It is an acute infectious disease, which is classified as wild, when it occurs in forest or urban regions.
Learn more about mosquito vectorAedes aegypti.
8. Chikungunya fever
The disease is caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which attacks the circulatory and immune systems. Transmission occurs through mosquito bites Aedes aegypti or the Aedes albopictus.
Over time, our immune system produces antibodies that fight the virus. Medications such as pain relievers and antipyretics may be indicated to relieve symptoms.
Know the difference betweenDengue, Zika and Chikungunya.
9. Zika fever
Zika virus (ZKV) is the virus that causes Zika fever. The agent is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes Aedes aegypti it's the Aedes albopictus.
For prevention the use of repellents is recommended. Mosquito screens and care for transmission sites (staying water, for example) can prevent the disease.
Learn more aboutZika.
10. common flu
The common flu is caused by the Influenza virus, which attacks the respiratory system. Its transmission occurs through direct contact with virus carriers or by sharing objects.
Intake of fluids for hydration and a diet rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C) are effective in the treatment of flu. There is also a flu vaccine that can be taken annually.
Learn more aboutthe flu.
11. viral hepatitis
Viral hepatitis are caused by Hepatitis virus (A, B, C, D, E) which attack the digestive system. Transmission is related to excessive alcohol consumption, consumption of contaminated food and contact with people with the disease.
Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through blood and sexual contact and, therefore, it is important to use a condom during sex. In the case of hepatitis B, there is a vaccine.
Meet the main features of viruses.
12. Herpes
Herpes is a disease associated with the skin and genital system. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex I and genital herpes by herpes simplex II.
Transmission occurs through contact with bodily fluids or wounds from an infected person. Furthermore, it can be passed from mother to child and through sexual contact.
13. HPV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection attacks the genital system. Transmission occurs through sexual contact with an infected person.
Using condoms is the most effective method against the disease. Routine testing is very important to detect the disease in its early stages.
Meet others Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD).
14. Meningitis
Viral meningitis is caused by different viruses, including enteroviruses, arboviruses, measles virus and mumps virus. Transmission occurs through contact with people with the disease.
In addition to viruses, many bacteria can cause meningitis, so there is also bacterial meningitis.
15. Pneumonia
Viral pneumonia affects the respiratory system when viruses settle in the lungs. Adenoviruses, Varicella-zoster and Influenza are examples of viruses that cause pneumonia.
Transmission occurs through the air and through contact with secretions from infected people. It can also be transmitted by object sharing.
16. Polio
Polio, also called infantile paralysis, is a disease caused by a Poliovirus of the Enterovirus genus and family Picoraviridae. Transmission occurs due to the lack of basic sanitation, such as contaminated water and food. It can also be transmitted through the secretions and feces of the contaminated.
Prevention is done through vaccination and avoiding contact with people carrying the virus. Washing your hands, food and drinking treated water can also prevent contagion.
Learn more about polio.
17. Anger
The rabies viral disease that affects humans, also called rabies, is caused by Lyssavirus and affects the nervous system.
Animals such as dogs, cats and bats can be reservoirs of the disease and the contamination occurs mainly through the bite, as it makes contact with the saliva of the sick animal.
18. Rubella
Rubella is caused associated with the skin, caused by viruses of the Rubivirus genus and family togaviridae.
Transmission occurs through contact with the secretions of carriers of the disease and prevention is done through double viral or triple viral vaccines, both taken in childhood.
19. Measles
Measles is a disease associated with the skin, caused by viruses belonging to the genus Morbillivirus and family Paramyxoviridae. Transmission occurs through contact with the secretions of the person with the disease, and also through the sharing of objects.
During childhood, the prevention of the disease is carried out through tetraviral and triple viral vaccines.
Learn more aboutmeasles.
20. Smallpox
Smallpox is a skin-associated disease caused by viruses of the Orthopoxvirus genus and family Poxviridae.
Transmission occurs through the infected person's secretions and saliva, and also through the sharing of objects. Prevention is done through the smallpox vaccine.
Learn more aboutsmallpox.
Virus symptoms
When the body is invaded by a disease-causing virus, the most common symptoms for the virus are: muscle and headaches, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness.
In addition to general symptoms, diseases can manifest with specific symptoms, such as:
- Cough, runny nose and nasal congestion (common flu);
- Swelling in the neck region (mumps);
- Reddish patches and itching (measles);
- Yellowish skin and eyes (hepatitis);
- Warts, lesions and skin blemishes (HPV).
It is noteworthy that for the correct identification of the disease and carrying out an effective treatment, a medical evaluation is always necessary.
Treatment for Viruses
The treatment of diseases caused by viruses is carried out according to the infectious agent and the region of the body affected.
For many viruses there are no vaccines and medicines against or a specific treatment. Therefore, the immune system itself creates antibodies to fight the virus.
Good nutrition, hydration and rest for the patient is always recommended. However, medications to relieve symptoms may also be prescribed by doctors, such as pain relievers, antipyretics and antivirals.
To learn more about diseases, read also:
- Diseases Caused by Protozoa
- Diseases Caused by Bacteria
- Diseases Caused by Fungi
