What it means
Examples are the common cold, influenzain-floo-EN-zuhAn infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses; the flu.Full entry , COVID-19, measlesMEE-zulzA very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.Full entry , hepatitis B and HIV. Antibiotics do not kill viruses. Some viral infections have antiviral drugs, many are treated by easing symptoms while the body fights them off, and vaccinevak-SEENA product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.Full entry s prevent many of them.
For the nurse
Teach that antibiotics will not help a cold or the flu. Use the isolation precautions that match how the virus spreads (contact, droplet or airborne).
At a glance
| Spanish | infección viral |
|---|---|
| Also written | viral infections |
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
influenza
An infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses; the flu.
antimicrobial
A drug or substance that kills or slows the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.