Viral Infections Directory
Viruses cause all types of infections and diseases. Some of the most common viral infections are the common cold, the flu, and warts. Some of the more severe diseases that viruses cause are HIV/AIDS, smallpox, and hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola and Marburg. In order for viruses to cause an infection, they must take their genetic material and hijack normal, living cells to produce more viruses with the same genetic material. Since viruses live inside cells of the body, they are hard to kill. But there are vaccines that can protect humans from many viral infections. Learn more about various viral infections and vaccines.
Medical Reference
Answers About West Nile Virus
Get answers to questions about West Nile virus.
Side Effects of the Smallpox Vaccine
Learn more about the potential side effects of the smallpox vaccine.
Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever Facts
Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a rare, severe type of hemorrhagic fever which affects both humans and non-human primates. Read about it here.
What Is Viral Pneumonia?
What is viral pneumonia, and how do you get it? Learn the symptoms of this lung infection and how can you get better.
Features
The Ghost of Smallpox Past
Despite its being dead for 25 years, the specter of a smallpox pestilence -- via terrorism -- haunts the public.
Another West Nile Virus Summer?
Eyes are turning to California as encephalitis season starts.
Viral Hepatitis: Eight Ways to Protect Your Family
Hepatitis A and B can lead to liver damage and sometimes death. But you can protect yourself and your family with these eight steps.
Viral Hepatitis: 8 Self-Defense Tips for Travelers
The risk of contracting viral hepatitis is higher for many Americans who travel abroad -- especially to regions where hepatitis is prevalent and sanitation is poor. Here are 8 tips to protect travelers.
Video
Slideshows & Images
Picture of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection on Chest Wall
Varicella-zoster virus infection: herpes zoster in T8 to T10 dermatomes. Typical grouped vesicles and pustules with erythema and edema of three contiguous thoracic dermatomes on the posterior chest wall.
Picture of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection: Close-Up
Varicella-zoster virus infection: herpes zoster with cluster of grouped vesicles. Grouped and confluent vesicles surrounding erythema on the chest wall.
Picture of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Punctuate hemorrhagic macules on the finger.
Picture of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia on Eye
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Telangiectases on the bulbar conjuctiva.