Viruses are part of our environment. Viral infections may range from common cold to pneumonia, meningitis, encephalitis etc. Everyday we came across many viruses sometimes we got sick, sometimes we do not. A virus needs a living host (person, plant or animal) to spread. It uses host cells to replicate.

Lets jog our memory to remember some major examples of viral illnesses

• Chickenpox - a well-known disease caused by Varicella-zoster virus.

• HIV AIDS - Another remarkable disease with vast television campaigning. Sadly one of the deadly disease still persisting. It is caused by Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

• Hepatitis - caused by Hepatitis virus A, B, C, D, E.

• Influenza - a very common one especially during winter or during seasonal changes, caused by Influenza virus.

Interesting facts -

Pandemic in 2009 was an influenza pandemic, also known as "Swine Flu" caused by H1N1 virus.

• Covid 19 - Our recent Pandemic, caused by Corona virus SARS COV - 2. Symptoms similar with influenza.

Anti-viral

Medicine that treats a viral infection is called anti-viral. Mostly they are available in the form of vaccines. They usually stop a virus from replicating. some anti-viral medicines boost the host's (the infected person) immune system to cope up with the ongoing viral infection.

Tricky viruses & the resistance

The common problem with the viruses especially in cases of flu or influenza viruses is that they not only replicate but can also change their internal genetic information. So they have a natural ability to escape from the anti-viral medicine. Thus same virus sometime causes a flu, sometimes it become a pandemic. This resistance is most effectively found in people with weakened immune responses (e.g. person with diabetes, asthma or any other chronic diseases).

The Viral Question - "Can antibiotics help during a viral infection?"

A big NO. Firstly, antibiotics are for bacterial illnesses. Secondly, unnecessary use of antibiotic may lead to antibiotic resistance.

So, in any case viral or bacterial do not take any medicine without a consultation.

How do we prevent viral illnesses?

• Practice hygiene.

• Practice hand washing with soap and water.

• Use mask if you are sick.

• Cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing.

• Stop spitting everywhere.

• Clean and disinfect items that you touch often.

• Wash your foods properly.

• Do not eat half eaten fruits.

• Make sure the room or the house is well-ventilated and get enough sunlight.

• Use condoms especially to prevent sexually transmitted viruses.

Message from Dr. Susmita -

Viral illnesses will continue to exist in the future, and scientists are still uncovering many aspects of how they behave. However, what remains in our control is the ability to practice good hygiene and take the necessary steps to maintain it. Homoeopathic medicines can also be highly effective in managing viral illnesses.

For further queries or a consultation, please visit our clinic. We hope this information is helpful to you.

Stay healthy. Stay blessed.❤️

- Dr. Susmita Sinha.