Viruses - An Overview
Published on
15 Apr 2020
Published by
National Library Board
Viruses are microscopic organisms that require a living host such as people, plants or animals to survive and reproduce. They have the ability to mutate as they multiply and these mutations may result in complications and challenging treatments for infected persons.
Viruses are invasive and parasitic and when one invades your body, it can launch attacks on various parts of your body, such as the liver, respiratory system or blood. However, you may not always fall sick, as your immune system may be strong enough to fight off the infection. Viral respiratory infections commonly affect the upper or lower respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, voice box, windpipe and lungs) and tend to be more severe in older patients and infants. Examples of illnesses caused by respiratory viruses range from the common cold and bronchitis to more severe diseases such as H1N1, SARS and, most recently, Covid-19.
Antibiotics that are prescribed for bacterial infections do not work against viruses. For most viral infections, treatments can only ease symptoms, although there are antiviral medicines that may be effective. Vaccines can also help prevent many viral diseases.
Find out more about viruses and how viral infections can be controlled and treated through the resources listed below.
Videos and Podcasts
Source: Flu Virus 101 (2018, August 16). National Geographic. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
2. Where did viruses come from?
Source: Where did viruses come from? (2018, June 12). PBS. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
3. When viruses become pandemics
Miller, G. (2020, March). When viruses become pandemics. Le Monde. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
4. Introduction to Coronaviruses
Source: Introduction to Coronaviruses (SARS, MERS, COVID-19: Host, Symptoms, History of SARS and MERS). JJ Medicine. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
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The information in this resource guide is valid as of March 2020 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history on the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic. All Rights Reserved. National Library Board Singapore 2020.
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