How Much Do You Know About Viruses?
These biological zombies love humans
Viruses have one mission in life: to find a host and replicate. They have their own genes and are capable of multiplying and evolving.
But they don't have cells and can’t convert food into energy, meaning they can’t survive on their own. They’re sort of like zombies . . . biological zombies.
In order to survive and replicate, viruses need to hijack the host’s cells, often causing them to burst and die. That’s why viruses almost always inflict illness when they infect humans. Ouch!
The good news is that we know a lot about viruses: how they wreak havoc and damage humans, but we also know how to fend off their wily ways.
Here are some facts about viruses that can help keep you safe and a few that will make you sound really smart on your next Zoom call.
1. Viruses are the most plentiful microbes on earth. You’ve probably heard of HIV, influenza, and coronaviruses, but there are plenty more. Out of about 320,000 known types of viruses that infect mammals, there are only 219 that infect humans.
2. Viruses can spread without anyone knowing. They’re sneaky alright. Scientists know that the viruses that cause herpes, COVID-19, and AIDS can be spread from contagious persons who never show symptoms. This means people who never had any signs of illness (even those who don’t have symptoms yet!) are unknowingly infecting others.
Also, some people have been known to be “superspreaders,” who infect several to hundreds of persons without ever knowing. This is why washing hands, covering mouths when sneezing/coughing, and just plain taking precautions is so important even when you’re not feeling sick.
3. Some viruses can infect us more than once. It’s not true that once you’ve been infected with a virus, you’re immune for life. Your immune system plays a crucial role in spreading this myth. When your immune system sees a virus, it builds up antibodies to fight it.
This is how vaccines work, by allowing your immune system to create the antibodies to a virus before actually having to battle the virus. The antibodies remain in your body to help fight off these viruses in the future; however, these antibodies can wain over time. That’s why you’re not immune, and that’s why some vaccines need booster shots.
Also, viruses have a mind of their own and can mutate, meaning the antibodies your immune system has in reserve are useless against the new strain.
4. Viruses can hide just about anywhere. Different viruses survive for different periods of time on surfaces outside the body. And how long they remain infective on those surfaces is a matter of debate, especially for the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2).
In a study found in the New England Journal of Medicine, the survival rate outside of humans of SARS-CoV-2 depends on the surface and the environment. In studies, SARS-CoV-2 remained active for 2–3 days on metal and plastic surfaces but only 24 hours on cardboard or paper.
Sneaky places many viruses can hide include railings, remotes, phones, keyboards, door and cabinet handles, sheets, blankets, and pillowcases, faucets, gas-pump handles, equipment at the gym, or utensils at salad bars buffets.
5. The most lethal virus to humans is the rabies virus. Rabies is deadly in about 100% of infected people. To date, only 14 people have survived rabies after showing symptoms. But the good news is that it is 100% preventable thanks to vaccines! Getting a rabies vaccine before exposure or soon after exposure can prevent the infection. Typically, rabies are spread through animal bites, so it’s crucial to see a medical provider for all animal bites; it doesn’t matter the size.
6. There is no cure for viruses. We can’t cure viruses when we get infected with them. There are antiviral medications that help make symptoms less severe, but they are not a cure. The only treatment for viruses is prevention. And the best prevention against viruses are vaccines and lifestyle alterations.
7. The best defense against viruses: soap and water. Nope, your mother didn’t just make this up. Simply washing your hands with soap and water is actually the best defense against viruses. The soap pries apart most protein-wrapped viruses, causing them to rupture. That’s why a critical part of handwashing includes soap and scrubbing (at least 20 seconds).
8. Antibiotics won’t help viral infections. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. So, when you get a cold (viruses cause colds) or the flu (also causes by viruses), don’t ask for an antibiotic. It won’t help.
Sometimes a prolonged viral infection can open the door for a bacterial infection to set in; that’s when antibiotics can be helpful. But you’ll need to discuss the symptoms you have with your medical provider, who has been trained to know when antibiotics are helpful and when they are not.
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In peace and light,
Joolz
