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How Do Viral Infections Occur?

Bacterial infections are sometimes confused for viral infections, but they're two very different things. Viral infections occur when microscopic infectious agents called viruses attach themselves to healthy cells and make copies of themselves. The initially healthy cell dies, and the virus goes on to attack other cells.

Depending on the type of viral infection, viruses can be transferred through:

• Bug bites

• Contaminated bodily products

• Skin-on-skin contact

Common viral infections include:

• Some types of

  chronic bronchitis

  (may also be bacterial)

• Coronaviruses (like COVID-19)

• Ebola

• Genital herpes

• Hepatitis B and C

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS

• Influenza

There's also believed to be a link between viral infections and fibromyalgia.

If you know about the way viruses are transmitted, it can help you understand what to do to avoid contracting them. One way to reduce the spread of viruses is to regularly wash your hands.

How Do Antiviral Drugs Work?

Antiviral drugs work by several different means, including:

• Boosting the immune system to help your body fight off a viral infection

• Blocking receptors to prevent viruses from binding to healthy cells

• Lowering the amount of active virus in your body

Oral antiviral medications are most common, but some antiviral meds are available as:

• Inhaled powders

• Eye drops

• Injections

• Topical creams

Some viral infection medicine is given intravenously.

For certain viral infections, like Ebola or the flu, antiviral treatment can ease symptoms and shorten the length of your illness by ridding your body of the virus. But other infections, like HIV, herpes and hepatitis, are chronic. In these instances, the virus remains in your body, but antiviral drugs help keep it inactive.