10 things you probably didn't know about viruses
Viruses can be complex to comprehend, and naturally, there is a slew of myths and facts, intermixed related to their existence, functioning and treatment. The basic intent of an existing virus is to find a host and use it to replicate. They reproduce in the host's body, eventually causing human cells to burst and die and thus, all viruses lead to diseases. So, here are 10 much unknown facts about viruses, shattering unnecessary myths :
10. Many more viruses exist than you think
Most people have only heard of a few viruses, influenza, HIV and now ofcourse, coronavirus but there are many more varities known. Infact, you might be amazed to know that viruses are the most plentiful microbes on this planet. There are over 3,20,000 types that infect mammals, according to the US National Library of Medicine but out of those only 219 are known to infect himans.
9. Rabies is the most deadly virus
Almost a 100% of the people who get infected with rabies virus are bound to die from it and that's why it's the most lethal virus that exists. Even though the disease is also preventable with a vaccine shot before or just after the exposure, only 14 people have been known to survive the disease. It's mostly caused by animal bites including those of dogs, monkeys and bats, thus, it is advised to visit the doctor immediately.
8. Zika virus might kill brain cancer
Another interesting fact about viruses is that not all of their side effect are bad. Some of them can prove to be miraculous just like the Zika virus. Even though it can have devastating effects on foetal brains but it is expected that its ability to target brain tissue may one day make it useful for the treatment of a type of brain cancer by the name of glioblastoma.
7. Duct tape can hep you get rid of one virus
This might sound very surprising, but warts which are actually caused by human papillomavirus can be removed with duct tape therapy. Even though these common bumps are mostly benign and can go away on their own but their healing time can be effectively reduced by covering them with a duct tape, even faster than cryotherapy, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics.
6. Herpes simplex virus might lead to Alzheimer's disease
Some research over the past 20 years suggests a link between HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus), which merely causes cold sores and Alzheimer's disease. Those people who were diagnosed with HSV infections were found to be prone to the risk of dementia by three times than an average person. But those who were given antiviral medication had reduced their memory loss risk by 90%.
5. Antibiotics don't work for viral infections
It is common sense that antibiotics are used to kill bacteria, not viruses. And yet, people harbour this myth that antibiotics will work for viral infections. Even, many doctors have reported feeling pressurised to prescribe antibiotics to patients with a viral infection who insisted on them, according to the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. These antibiotic prescriptions are clearly unnecessary and need to be curbed.
4. 'COVID toes' are a thing
Apart from respiratory problems, COVID-19 is capable of affecting of almost any part in your body, including your toes, hence the name, 'Covid toes'. This is one of the symptoms which invloves redness, swelling and itching of the toes or even fingers in cold weather. This is very similar to chillblains, according to Matthew G. Heinz, MD, a hospitalist and internist at Tuscon Medical Center in Arizona.
3. Herd immunity is not as reliable as you may believe
Ever since the breakout of the pandemic, there have been much talks about implementing herd immunity to fight the virus by taking advantage of most people being vaccinated in close proximity. But effective herd immunity requires that more than 90% of the population in an area be vaccinated against the disease which does not seem feasible with the current unavailability of vaccine and low expected vaccination rate making herd immunity unreliable.
2. Not being able to touch your chin to your chest is a warning sign
Having a sore throat or a stiff neck makes it difficult to bend the neck forward, so checking if you can touch your chin to chest is one of the first signs of exposure to many common viruses that cause herpes, influenza and measles. These cold-flu like symptoms can lead to severe headaches, light sensitivity and lethargy and it's better to check with a doctor if you show any of these early warning signs.
1. Covid-19 can even hurt your brain
According to a study published in the Annals of Neurology in June, about half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients experienced neurological symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, strokes and even seizures. This may be happening due to lack of oxygen, any clotting disorder, inreased inflammation or even any autoimmune reaction triggered by the virus itself.
