Virus – Overview

Transcript

“The majority of infections that humans suffer are caused by viruses. Viruses can cause many different symptoms depending on the virus and the person infected. Some are recognizable. Influenza, coronavirus, measles, and many viruses you may not have ever heard of. Some viral infections are very serious and even need hospitalization, while others are not. Your symptoms were concerning enough that you were seen in the ER though. In general, viral syndromes fall into three categories: head colds, respiratory symptoms, and abdominal misery. Most viral syndromes include fevers, chills and muscle aches. Head colds may have sinus congestion, earaches, sore throats, sneezing, and runny noses. Respiratory symptoms include cough, wheezing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Abdominal misery includes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Different viruses prefer to infect different organs, but you can feel their effects in many different parts of the body. You may be experiencing combinations of each of these syndromes.

Since there are different types of viral syndromes, your ER doctor may have checked you for other more serious problems. Depending on the season and your symptoms, the ER may have checked you for influenza, coronavirus, strep throat, pneumonia, gallbladder problems, and appendicitis. Many of the symptoms you might call cold or flu can be part of a viral syndrome. Most viral syndromes include fevers, chills and muscle aches. Children often experience a rash. The rest of the symptoms of viral syndromes can be divided into the regions of the body they affect. Above the neck you might have sinus congestion, earache, sore throat, sneezing, and a runny nose. And you might notice swollen nodes or sunken eyes. Respiratory symptoms include cough, wheezing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Abdominal issues can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your viral syndrome probably won’t be limited to a specific body region and the symptoms may change as your body heals.”