There are no cures for viral skin infections, and some infections can reoccur. For example, different types of the herpes virus, which can cause cold sores and genital herpes, stays in specific body nerves. Warts, caused by the human papilloma virus, can be difficult to treat and may recur. Although the herpes zoster virus stays in the body, shingles usually does not recur and may be prevented by a vaccine.Molluscum contagiosum infection usually goes away on its own (if the person's immune system is not compromised) and does not return. Treatment is not always needed for viral skin infections, but, when necessary, treatment may include taking antiviral drugs and treating the symptoms of the infection.
Viral Infections
Viral infections like herpes simplex, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), chicken pox and rotavirus are infections caused by a virus instead of a bacterium. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, but some specific viruses like influenza A and B can be treated with certain antiviral medications. Most commonly, treatment for viral infections includes drinking lots of fluids, getting rest, eating well and letting the illness run its course.
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Sigma Nursing answeredMany infections caused by contact with pets, the environment around pets or pet waste are bacterial, parasitic or fungal, but a few are viral. Diseases caused by contact with animals are called zoonoses. By far, most skin infections caused by contact with pets are fungal or parasitic in nature (ringworm, scabies, etc.); viruses that can be spread from animals to humans are not considered skin infections (such as rabies or norovirus). Most people will not need to avoid having a pet in order to stay healthy, but some people should take extra precautions around animals so that they don't get sick. These people include infants, young children, pregnant women, people with HIV/AIDS and organ transplant patients. Your doctor can advise you on specific steps you should take in order to avoid potential infections.
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Sigma Nursing answered
Flaccid paralysis has been associated with the West Nile virus. West Nile virus, in unusual cases, causes a polio-like condition in which the spinal cord becomes inflamed. The paralysis, as with polio, does not cause sensory loss to the affected area. Polio is probably the best-known infectious cause of flaccid paralysis, but the autoimmune disease Guillain-Barre syndrome is now the main cause of acute flaccid paralysis. More recently, outbreaks of the Zika virus have been linked to flaccid paralysis. West Nile virus was first identified in the United States in 1999.
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersThe norovirus is often associated with stomach flu outbreaks on cruise ships. In this Treadmill Talk, Sharecare expert Dr. Michael Roizen explains how this virus sidelined an entire soccer team and how you can protect yourself from getting sick.
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See All 2 AnswersViral infections that should not be treated with antibiotics include:- colds
- flu
- most coughs and bronchitis
- sore throats (except for those resulting from strep throat)
- some ear infections
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredAmong the many suspects of fatigue is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV belongs to the family of herpes viruses including those that cause cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox and shingles. Infection with EBV is virtually inescapable; in the US, 95% of all adults will be infected by age 40, and 50% of all children by age 5. Many people don't realize they have been infected because they never feel sick. Once infected however, you harbor the virus for good. There is growing concern about the aftereffects of an EBV infection; a number of diseases, including some types of cancers, have been linked to this infection.
This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com. -
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSigns of infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may include a swollen liver, enlarged lymph nodes and spleen, and sometimes swelling of the area around the eyes. The virus causes an inflammatory reponse in the spleen, leading to its swelling; those with this complication are in danger of rupturing the spleen, and are usually advised to avoid situations (like sports) that can put them in danger. In addition to these problems, EBV is linked to swelling of the brain or spinal cord or the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord, swelling of the eye nerve, swelling of the pancreas, swelling of the heart, and injury to the lungs (including pneumonia). Fortunately for most people the infection is mild and without serious complications.
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Parkland Medical Center answeredWhile the cause of lupus and other autoimmune diseases is not known, the common and highly contagious Epstein-Barr virus is thought to be a link to the development of lupus in certain individuals. Practically everyone in the United States has been exposed and infected by the Epstein-Barr virus, which usually causes no symptoms or mild illness, but for some people the immune system creates unusual antibodies in reaction to the virus, leading to immune attack on the person's own body. Researchers do not understand all the factors involved in the suspected link between these two illnesses. -
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Parkland Medical Center answeredThe treatment of encephalitis is determined by its cause. Cases of encephalitis caused by bacterial infections may be treated using antibiotics. Encephalitis related to HIV may be treated with drugs designed to boost the immune system and slow the progression of encephalitis. Antivirals like acyclovir or ganciclovir may be used if a viral cause (such as herpes) is suspected. Many cases of encephalitis are difficult to treat. Doctors may prescribe medication to relieve pain and fever and to help alleviate other symptoms; for example, anticonvulsants may be used to prevent seizures, and corticosteroids for inflammation and swelling, especially in cases of autoimmune encephilitis. Doctors may recommend plasma exchange, or immune globulin treatment, for these cases of autoimmune encephilitis, which is encephilitis caused by the person's own immune system. In some cases there is little that can be done while the disease takes its course over a week or two, aside from prescribing antiseizure medications and life support if necessary. Sedatives may help with restlessness or irritability. Fever and headache may be treated with over-the-counter medications. The value of rest and a well-balanced diet during the recovery of a mild case of encephalitis should not be underestimated.
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Riverside Center for Neurosciences answeredAnyone can get encephalitis or meningitis. People with weakened immune systems, including people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or those taking immunosuppressant drugs, are at the highest risk for contracting the diseases. Children who have not had the Haemophilus influenzae b vaccine, especially those who attend childcare settings, are at high risk. Certain foods, like soft cheese made with unpasteurized milk, can put someone at higher risk for meningitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes, especially pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
This answer is based on source information from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.