Facts about Viruses

The most common viral infections are various forms of influenza.  Flu symptoms include fevers and chills, runny nose, headaches and muscle aches, sore throat and coughing.  The symptoms are similar to the common cold but are usually more severe and with the flu, many people experience a feeling of general weakness that makes it difficult to even get out of bed. Influenza can develop into pneumonia, which can also be caused by bacterial infections.  Symptoms of pneumonia, which lodges in the lungs, include a persistent fever, breathing difficulties and severe coughing which can include bringing up blood.  Pneumonia is a life threatening condition which should be taken very seriously.

HIV aids are also caused by a virus and this can often occur with no symptoms for years.  When the disease begins to manifest, the symptoms include fever, tiredness, diarrhoea, headaches, skin rashes, weight loss and swollen lymph nodes.