Understanding Viral Infection

Pandemics have occurred in the past and continues to increase in frequency, the latest being the COVID-19. The present scenario demands for optimal preparedness and response strategy in order to contain the disease which has crossed geographic regions. Viruses, bacteria and fungus are the micro organism which confers immeasurable benefits to us. However, when they become pathogens, treatment becomes imperative. The latest updates on the Corona virus calls upon humanity to introspect and move from a mechanized life towards a natural one.Dr Monjuri Kataki writes in depth about viral diseases and the measures one need to take to curb the menace.

- Dr Monjuri Kataki

The recent outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic across various countries and finally reaching India calls for a greater awareness drive among the people to adopt healthy and hygienic methods and lead a disease free life.

The medical importance of virus lies in their ability to cause a very large number of human diseases. Viral diseases range from minor ailments such as common cold to terrifying diseases such as rabies or AIDS. They may be sporadic like dengue fever or pandemic like influenza. They may be localized to circumscribed areas like some arbovirus diseases or occur worldwide (like herpes simplex). The control of bacterial infection with antibiotics has opened a path for viral infections in human disease. Virus can cause cancer in animals and birds, as well as in humans.