04/09/2023
Hi everyone ๐
Types of viral infections
Upper respiratory infections (infections of the nose, throat, upper airways, and lungs) are likely the most common viral infections.
Upper respiratory infections include sore throat, sinusitis, and the common cold. Other viral respiratory infections include influenza, pneumonia, and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).
In small children, viruses also commonly cause croup (which is inflammation of the upper and lower airways, called laryngotracheobronchitis) or lower airways (bronchiolitis).
Respiratory infections are more likely to cause severe symptoms in infants, older people, and people with a lung or heart disorder. Respiratory viruses are typically spread from person to person by contact with infected respiratory droplets.
Other viruses infect other specific parts of the body:
Gastrointestinal tract: Infections of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastroenteritis, are commonly caused by viruses, such as noroviruses and rotaviruses.
Liver: These infections result in hepatitis.
Nervous system: Some viruses, such as the rabies virus and the West Nile virus, infect the brain, causing encephalitis. Others infect the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges), causing meningitis.
Skin: Viral infections that affect only the skin sometimes result in warts or other blemishes. Many viruses that affect other parts of the body, such as chickenpox, also cause a rash.
Placenta and fetus: Some viruses, such as the Zika virus, the rubella virus, and cytomegalovirus, can infect the placenta and fetus in pregnant women.
Some viruses typically affect many body systems. Such viruses include enteroviruses (such as coxsackieviruses and echoviruses) and cytomegaloviruses.
Viral infections in your digestive system
Viral infections in your digestive system can affect your stomach and intestines (GI tract) or your liver. These include:
Norovirus, rotavirus .
Thanks for your time ๐