What it means
A virus is genetic material (DNA or RNA) in a protein coat. It enters a cell and uses the cell's machinery to make copies of itself. Viruses cause colds, 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 , mumpsMUMPSA contagious disease caused by the mumps virus that mainly infects the salivary glands in front of the ears.Full entry , hepatitis, HIV, herpes and warts. Antibiotics do not work on viruses; some are treated with antiviral drugs, and many are prevented with vaccines.
For the nurse
Teach that antibiotics will not help a cold or flu. Hand hygiene, vaccines, covering coughs and staying home when sick limit spread. Use the precautions the virus calls for, such as droplet precautions for influenza.
At a glance
| Spanish | virus |
|---|---|
| Also written | viruses, viral |
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
pathogen
A germ, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite, that can cause disease.
hepatitis B virus
The virus that causes hepatitis B, an infection of the liver.