Top 10 Viral Infections

• The flu and common cold are the top two viral infections.

1. Flu

The flu is a very common viral infection, especially during certain times of the year, which are actually termed flu season. There are flu vaccines available, and doctors suggest that at risk individuals, plus those who are very young or elderly, get these vaccines. The problem is that the flu vaccine only protects against a small number of strains, and when flu season hits these strains may not be the most common ones going around.

2. Common Cold

The common cold is one of the most abundant when it comes to viral infections. This is a group of viruses, just like the flu viruses, and there is no vaccine that can prevent you from catching a cold. Frequent hand washing and avoiding those who are sick are the best ways to avoid catching a cold. The virus is airborne, so even breathing the same air as an infected person can make you sick.

3. Coxsackie Virus

This viral infection is very common in children five and under, and can spread rapidly because it is very contagious. Normally mild or no symptoms are seen, but this virus can cause serious problems in rare cases and may require medical treatment. A high fever can be a sign of infection, and so can sores or blisters in the mouth or throat.

4. HIV and AIDS

The HIV virus is one of the most serious, because this virus leads to AIDS, which can cause death. Infection can occur through any body fluid transfers with an infected person, and this can include sexual activity, blood transfusions, infected hypodermic needles, and others. There is no cure or vaccine for this virus, and it affects and lowers your immune system.

5. Chickenpox and Shingles

Both the chickenpox and shingles are caused by the herpes zoster virus, and shingles occurs later in life after the virus becomes reactivated in your body for some reason. Chickenpox used to be a common childhood illness, but with a vaccine available this infection does not occur as often in children or adults. There is no vaccine for shingles.

6. Measles

The measles is not as common as it used to be, thanks to a vaccine that is given to children as part of their regular immunization shots. This viral infection is characterized by small red bumps which appear on the trunk and sometimes face. This virus is more common in countries where the vaccine is not routinely given.

7. Rabies

Unfortunately, rabies is becoming more common in the country and the world, as more bats and wild animals come into contact with people and domestic household pets. There is a vaccine for this virus, but it can be costly, so it is not commonly given except for specific risks or to make more of the antibodies. This viral infection is normally transmitted through a bite from an infected animal, and it is not usually contagious.

8. Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be viral or bacterial, and there are a number of different virus types that can get into your respiratory system and lungs, and cause pneumonia. Antibiotics will not work if a virus causes the pneumonia, and hospitalization and medications to help clear your lungs may be needed. In addition, lots of fluids and rest are needed so your body can fight off the virus.

9. Hemorrhagic Viral Fevers

These viral infections are among some of the scariest around. They include the dreaded Ebola virus, and they cause massive bleeding and cell rupturing through the entire body. These viruses have a very high mortality rate, and are very contagious when they appear. Fortunately so far they do not appear very often.

10. Human Papilloma Virus

Infection with the Human Papilloma Virus, called HPV, affects millions of Americans and people in other countries, and is a very comon viral STD. This virus can cause cervical cancer in women who are infected early in life, there are hundreds of strains, and a recent vaccine has been recommended for all teenage females and will protect against the most common and most dangerous strains of HPV.

Since you can’t always make sure that people do their part in avoiding spreading infections, you can be sure to gird up your immune system to combat anything that comes your way. Check out products like Echinacea/Goldenseal w/Org. Alcohol, Ester C 500mg and Sambucus Immune Support/AF to give your immune system the boost it needs.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.