VIRAL INFECTIONS
Recent news media have been full of stories and concerns about viral infections with high mortality. Hanta and Ebola viruses attract much of the attention. Covid-19, which was the scare of a lifetime, seems to have taken a back seat. Influenza and common cold have been lingering around forever. Political circles are concerned about measles and vaccination protocols.
Hanta virus
It is transmitted through rodents or their droppings when the virus is inhaled by humans. Recent news was related to infections that occurred in a cruise ship, with several Americans on board. Famous actor Gene Hackman’s wife died of Hanta in her house last year. Patients develop flu like symptoms and fever, which can go on to become lethal in about 38% of them. Treatment is mostly supportive care since there is no specific antiviral medication. Preventing rodents, rats and mice from entering your house, and pest control measures are important. If their droppings are found, they must be sanitized with bleach or other disinfectants before sweeping them but while wearing a mask.
Ebola virus
This deadly viral infection is most common in African countries, with Democratic Republic of Congo being the center of new outbreak. This infection is spread by direct body contact or contact with body fluids. Symptoms are muscle pain, fever, fatigue, headache and diarrhea. Severe forms lead to hemorrhage and multi-organ failure resulting in high mortality. Vaccine was available for the previous strain, and it is being developed for the newer strain. Treatment is mostly supportive care and monoclonal antibodies. Prevention is most important by quick isolation, quarantine, wearing gloves, handwashing, hand sanitizers, avoiding all body or body fluid contacts, and vaccinations.
Covid-19
The deadly pandemic killed millions of people in a short time just five years ago but seems to have faded now. This was an air-borne infection, transmitted by inhalation of the virus when an infected person coughed or sneezed. It started as flu-like symptoms with coughing and sneezing, fever, muscle ache and abdominal discomfort. Many died from serious complications since it was a new infection with no treatment at the time. But science came to rescue with rapid discovery of vaccines and antiviral medications. It also led to historic discovery of gene-based vaccines instead of the previous immune serum-based vaccines. Prevention included avoiding crowds, wearing masks, handwashing and vaccinations.
Mosquito-borne viral infections
They are endemic in many countries and require precaution when traveling to those areas. Some of the mosquito-borne viral infections are dengue, chikungunya, zika, yellow fever, West Nile encephalitis and other forms of encephalitis. They cause severe joint pain, neurological changes, hemorrhagic manifestations, headache and fever. Avoiding mosquito bites at all costs include use of insect repellents, long-sleeved clothes, tightly closed windows, doors and wire screens and use of mosquito nets. Vaccinations are available for some infections. Mosquitos can transmit other types of infections such as Malaria too.
Other viral infections
Many other viral infections are prevalent in our society. With caution and preventive steps, they can be reduced. Sexually transmitted viral infections include HIV/AIDS and HPV. Safe sex precautions, avoiding needle sharing, taking vaccinations and medications are important. Hepatitis can be reduced by avoiding body fluid contacts, needle sharing and safe dietary precautions. Common cold and influenza have been around forever. Common sense precautions should be taken and vaccinations when available. Gastrointestinal viral infections include food poisoning, norovirus and rotavirus. Hot freshly cooked vegetarian meals can help avoid the virus.
Value of vaccinations
It is a well-established scientific fact that vaccinations help to avoid or reduce severity of viral infections. Childhood vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) is effective with minimal side effects. In fact, all childhood jabs as per protocol are to be observed. Polio and smallpox vaccinations have nearly eradicated those infections. HPV and hepatitis vaccinations are saving many lives and cancers. Yearly flu vaccine helps to reduce the severity of the disease. Those who are immune-compromised, elderly or have risk factors should consider prophylactic injections against RSV, shingles and pneumonia as per advice of primary care physicians.Arun C. Gulani, M.D., M.S., is director and chief surgeon of Gulani Vision Institute in Jacksonville. He can be reached at [email protected] or visit www.gulanivision.com