Viral Infections
Unlike bacterial infections, viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Only a very few agents are known to affect viruses in the human body. Interferon may help with many viruses. Some specific antivirals - like Tamiflu - can help with flu viruses only.
Some illnesses can be caused either by bacteria or viruses, so your doctor may wish to test before prescribing antibiotics.
Recently Answered
- Q What is polio?
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Polio is an infection that is caused by poliovirus. The virus is spread through contact with polio-contaminated feces. It most commonly infects your body through your mouth and it then lives in your intestines. People affected by polio may experience... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk of getting a hemorrhagic fever?
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Viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) is spread to humans by contact with urine, saliva, or feces from infected rodents or a bite from an insect, such as a mosquito or tick. Some VHF organisms can enter the body by inhaled airborne particles or by direct... Full Answer
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- Q How are hemorrhagic fevers (HFs) spread?
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Viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) is spread to humans by contact with urine, saliva, or feces from infected rodents or a bite from an insect, such as a mosquito or tick. Each virus is usually associated with a specific insect or rodent host or closely... Full Answer
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- Q How is lymphadenopathy diagnosed?
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When a doctor diagnoses lymphadenopathy, he or she will ask you about the symptoms you're having, like sort throat, fever, location of the swollen lymph nodes, and when the swelling began. Your doctor will also ask about your exposure to certain... Full Answer
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- Q How are hemorrhagic fevers (HFs) treated?
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In the past several years, much progress has been made in understanding the molecular biology of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) viruses and how they cause disease. However, drugs or vaccines are currently unavailable for the treatment of most VHFs. The... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of hemorrhagic fevers (HF)?
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All viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) begin gradually with flu-like symptoms that include fever, muscular aches, and cough. If the disease progresses, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea occur. The next stage involves sore throat, muscle pain,... Full Answer
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- Q What are viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF)?
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Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are diseases caused by several distinct viral families usually found in animals, especially certain rats and mice, or insects such as mosquitoes. But the origins of some viruses, such as the Ebola and Marburg... Full Answer
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- Q How are hemorrhagic fevers (HFs) diagnosed?
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In many instances, humans infected with viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) remain healthy and show no symptoms. In about 20% of cases, individuals develop severe disease that affects multiple systems of the body, including the liver, spleen, and kidneys.... Full Answer
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- Q Do antibiotics prevent viral infections?
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Most viruses are not responsive to antibiotics. Some viruses can respond to antiviral medications. Some common illnesses caused by viruses such as influenza, herpes, and a few others do respond to medications, but not antibiotics. Full Answer
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- Q If I'm pregnant, how can I reduce my risk of getting Cytomegalovirus?
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Pregnant women may want to take steps to reduce their risk of exposure to CMV and so reduce the risk of CMV infection of their fetus. Here are a few simple steps you can take to avoid exposure to saliva and urine that might contain CMV: Wash... Full Answer
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