What is this virus? Let's find out exactly!

Today we are going to talk about something that is invisible to our eyes, but can make us sick. You may have heard of it called a 'virus'. So what are these viruses? How do they get into our bodies and make us sick? Let's talk about all this simply, in a way that you can understand.

What exactly is a virus?

Simply put, a virus is a very small, invisible germ. When we say small, it can be about a thousand times smaller than bacteria. Just think, a bacterium is also very small, so how much smaller is a virus!

These viruses cannot live or reproduce on their own. Like a thief, they need to get inside someone's body, that is, the cells of animals, plants, or people like us. Only after they enter can they start their work, making many more viruses like themselves and making us sick. That is why viruses are called 'obligate intracellular parasites', which means they absolutely need another living cell to live. They are very cunning in controlling our cells and making things for themselves.

What is the difference between a virus and a bacteria?

Now you might be thinking, 'So bacteria are also germs, and viruses are also germs, what's the difference between the two?' Yes, that's a very important question. Because if you confuse the two, the treatment method can be wrong.

The main difference is that bacteria are organisms that have their own existence, can divide and multiply on their own. They can live outside our bodies (in suitable places) if they want. But viruses cannot, they must exist inside a living cell. Whether a virus is truly an organism or not is also a matter of debate among scientists, because they are like a lifeless particle outside a cell.

Another important thing is that we use 'antibiotics' to treat bacterial infections. But these antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Many people think that when they get a fever or a cold, they just go to the pharmacy and buy an `(antibiotic)'. That is a big mistake. Because, if you have a viral infection, that `(antibiotic)' will not do anything, on the other hand, the medicine will just enter the body, and maybe antibiotic resistance may develop. Therefore, we should take the treatment that a doctor gives after examining it carefully and determining whether it is a bacterial infection or a viral infection.

How do viruses enter our bodies? How do they spread?

Okay, now let's look at how this little virus enters our bodies and how it spreads from one person to another. It's very important to know this, because then we can protect ourselves.

• When breathing: When someone with a virus coughs, sneezes, or speaks loudly, very small droplets of saliva come out of their mouth and nose. These droplets can contain the virus. If someone nearby breathes this air, the virus can enter their respiratory system. Imagine, if someone who is sick sneezes while riding a bus or train, there is a high chance that the person around them will get sick.
• Direct contact and surfaces: If a person with the virus touches their nose or mouth and then touches a doorknob, table, or other person's hand with that same hand, the virus can get on those surfaces and onto the other person's hand. Then, if that other person touches their face, nose, or mouth with that hand, the virus can enter their body. That's why we always say to wash our hands and not touch our faces. Some viruses can survive on surfaces for hours, sometimes even days.
• Through food and water: Some viruses can be transmitted through contaminated food and water. For example, Hepatitis A and Norovirus. That's why it's important to wash your hands before eating and preparing food, drink clean water, and cook food thoroughly.
• Through blood and body fluids: Some serious viruses, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, can be transmitted through the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. They are not spread through casual contact, but can be spread through unprotected sex, sharing needles for injecting drugs, and from an infected mother to her child.

You see, there are many ways for viruses to spread. That's why both personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness are important.

What are the common diseases caused by viruses?

There are countless diseases that we can get due to viruses. Some of them are very common and get better in two or three days. Some of them are a little more serious and require treatment. Let's look at a few of the most commonly seen and heard about viral diseases.

• Common Cold: We've all had this. It's a runny nose, a sore throat, and maybe a little body ache. It can be caused by various types of viruses (e.g., Rhinovirus, Coronavirus).
• Influenza/Flu: This is a bit more severe than the common cold. Symptoms include high fever, body aches, fatigue, and cough. It is caused by the influenza virus. Sometimes it can lead to more serious conditions like pneumonia.
• Chickenpox: A disease that many people get in childhood, causing blisters all over the body. It is caused by a virus called `(Varicella-zoster virus)`.
• Measles: This is also a disease caused by a virus, causing fever and rash. Now that there is a vaccine, the incidence is much lower, but it can still be dangerous.
• Mumps: Another viral disease that causes swelling of the cheeks. There is also a vaccine for this.
• Dengue Fever: In our country, dengue is a common and sometimes life-threatening viral disease. It is transmitted by mosquitoes.
• Covid-19: This is a virus that we all know very well and has recently caused a global pandemic. It is caused by the virus called `(SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus)`.

These are just a few examples. How many other viral diseases are there! There are many types of viruses like `(Rotavirus)` that cause diarrhea, `(Hepatitis)` that affect the liver, `(Polio virus)` that affects the nervous system (now eradicated in Sri Lanka due to vaccination). The most important thing is to follow medical advice, no matter what the disease is.

How does our body fight viruses?

When a virus enters the body, our body doesn't just stand there. We have a very amazing defense system inside our body, which we call the 'immune system'. It's like an army protecting a country.

When a virus arrives, this ``immune system'' immediately becomes active.

• First, these invading viruses are recognized by special soldier-like cells called 'white blood cells'.
• Then, they make a special type of protein called 'antibodies'. These 'antibodies' are made to match the virus exactly, helping to deactivate and destroy the virus. Think of it like a key fitting a lock.
• Also, getting a fever is also a response from our immune system. When the fever increases, it becomes difficult for some viruses to survive and spread.
• Sometimes the body aches and tiredness we feel are all caused by our body fighting the virus.

Antibodies that our body makes against some viruses can stay in our bodies for a lifetime. That means that if that virus comes back, our immune system can quickly recognize it and defeat it. That's why diseases like chickenpox don't come back a second time. Vaccines do the same thing. What a vaccine does is give us a weakened or killed virus, or part of a virus, and teach our immune system to make antibodies against it. Then, when the real virus comes, our body is ready.

What can we do to protect ourselves from viruses?

Isn't it better to protect yourself before you get sick than to take medicine when you get sick? There are a few simple, but very important things we can do to stay safe from viruses.

• Wash your hands often: This is the most important thing. You should rub your hands together with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Your palms, the back of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, everywhere. Make it a habit to wash your hands before eating, before preparing food, after using the bathroom, after touching animals, after sneezing or coughing, and when you return home from a job. If soap and water are not available, you can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose: When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue. If you don't have one, at least sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow. This will reduce the chance of spreading germs to others. Carefully dispose of the used tissue in the trash.
• Reduce touching your eyes, nose, and mouth: How many times a day do we unknowingly touch our faces? These are the easiest ways for viruses on our hands to enter our bodies.
• Get vaccinated: The best way to protect yourself from many dangerous viral diseases is to get vaccinated. There are vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, influenza, hepatitis B, polio, and COVID-19. Get your children vaccinated on time according to the government's national vaccination program. Some vaccines are also recommended for adults (e.g., the influenza vaccine annually).
• Good health habits:
• Nutritious food: Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and drinking clean water strengthens our ``Immune system''.
• Get enough sleep: Get 7-8 hours of good sleep a day. Lack of sleep weakens your immune system.
• Exercise: Doing a little exercise every day is good for the body.
• Stay away from people who are sick: If someone has a cold or fever, don't be too close to them. If you are sick, stay home as much as possible. Reduce your risk of spreading the illness to others.
• Keep the environment clean: To avoid diseases like dengue, it is essential to keep places where mosquitoes can breed (places where water stagnates) clean.

Remember, these simple habits can protect not only yourself, but also your family and others in society from viruses.

When should you seek medical advice?

Something like a common cold can usually be treated at home in a few days, but sometimes you need to see a doctor.

• If you have difficulty breathing: If you feel like your chest is tightening and it's hard to breathe.
• If a high fever (e.g., over 103°F / 39.4°C) does not go down for several days, or if the fever comes, goes down for a while, and then comes back.
• If vomiting and diarrhea don't stop: Dehydration may occur. If you have symptoms such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or decreased urine output, see a doctor immediately.
• If you have a high fever with a rash.
• If you feel more tired, sleepy, or less alert than usual.
• If you have other chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, lung disease, or kidney disease, you need to be extra careful when you get a viral infection. It's a good idea to see a doctor even if you have minor symptoms.
• If you are a pregnant mother and have symptoms of a viral infection, seek medical advice.
• Young children: If a baby under 3 months old has a fever (over 100.4°F / 38°C), or if a young child of any age is unusually ill and not eating or playing, see a doctor immediately.

It's wiser to seek advice from a doctor rather than just taking medication at the pharmacy. They're the ones who know exactly what to do for your situation.

Some misconceptions we have about viruses

When talking about viruses, sometimes we get misinformation and misconceptions spread among us. Let's take a look at some of them.

• Misconception: 'Colds are caused by being exposed to cold or getting wet in the rain.'
• Fact: The common cold is caused by a virus. Cold weather does not cause new viruses to form. However, during the cold season, people are indoors and close together, making it easier for viruses to spread. Also, some people's immunity may be weakened by extreme cold, making them more likely to get a viral infection. However, it is wrong to say that cold weather causes viruses directly.
• Misconception: 'It's okay to take antibiotics for any fever or cold.'
• Fact: As we have already discussed, `(Antibiotics)` only work on bacteria. `(Antibiotics)` are of no use on viral infections. Using `(Antibiotics)` unnecessarily will only lead to antibiotic resistance, where an `(Antibiotic)` will not work when you really need it.
• Misconception: 'Vaccines cause disease / Vaccines are dangerous.'
• Fact: Vaccines are a great achievement in medicine. Vaccines are made with the most rigorous research and safety procedures. A vaccine can cause minor side effects, such as a slight fever or body aches, but that means our immune system is working. When compared to the serious consequences of diseases that vaccines can prevent, the safety and benefits of vaccines are enormous. Don't be fooled by misconceptions about vaccines.
• Misconception: 'If a virus enters the body, it will definitely make you sick.'
• Fact: This is not always the case. If our `(Immune system)` is strong, sometimes a virus can enter the body and control it without any symptoms. Also, it can vary depending on the amount of virus that enters (viral load).

Being aware of things like this helps us a lot in dealing with viruses.

Final Take-Home Message

Well, we talked a lot about viruses today, didn't we? I hope you have understood something from what we have talked about. Finally, remember these points well:

• Viruses are very small, invisible germs that need another living cell (host cell) to survive and infect.
• Viruses and bacteria are two different things. Antibiotics cannot cure viral infections.
• Viruses are spread mainly through droplets from sneezing and coughing, through dirty hands, and by touching dirty surfaces.
• Viruses are the cause of many diseases, such as the common cold, influenza, chickenpox, and dengue.
• Our immune system is what fights viruses.
• The best ways to protect yourself from viruses are:
• Wash your hands with soap regularly.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Getting the necessary vaccines on time.
• Maintaining good health habits (nutritious diet, sleep, exercise).
• If symptoms worsen, or if you are in a risk group, seek medical advice immediately.

If we all come together and follow these simple safety measures, we can avoid many viral diseases and stay healthy. Don't worry, awareness is the best protection!

` Virus, Disease, Infection, Immunity, Protection, Health