A virus is a microscopic organism that causes infection and
disease. Viral illnesses can range from mild to severe, including examples such
as the common cold, West Nile virus, polio, and smallpox.
By
Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer
Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology
Last Revised
July 8, 2010
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
July 08, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.