Shingles is a viral disease affecting the nerves. It causes painful blisters along the skin. The disease is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, called the VZV for varicella-zoster virus. In fact, people who have never contracted...
Fever blisters are another name for cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus type I; type II is associated with genital herpes but can also cause lesions on or around the mouth. Most adults carry latent HSV-I and are asymptomatic....
Viruses are tiny capsules that contain genetic material. They are significantly smaller than bacteria, and some of the most common infectious diseases -- warts, flu, common cold -- are caused by viruses. Viruses may also cause life-threatening...
Antivirals are drugs used to treat or prevent viral infections. Viruses cause major killer diseases around the world, accounting for huge numbers of deaths every year from diseases like the flu, HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis. They are also causally...
Mushrooms are a diverse collection of fungi, constituting many thousands of species. Mushrooms have been consumed for medicinal purposes for countless generations, especially in Asian countries, although only a small percentage have been...
Viral illnesses are common in children. Most viruses cause benign, self-resolving and brief illnesses that require only supportive therapy with fluids, and pain and fever control measures. A small group of medicines have been developed for use in...
Since the advent of the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, in the early 1980s, the development of antivirals for treatment has produced some very effective drugs. Antivirals have given hope to many with this chronic disease and have extended...
Shingles is an infection causes by the herpes zoster virus. It occurs in adults who have previously had the chicken pox. The dormant virus can become activated at any time; however, it becomes more likely as an individual ages. Symptoms include...
Viruses are a class of tiny and deadly infectious agents that are distinct from other types of germs such as bacteria. Because viruses are not composed of cells like other organisms, they are not even considered to be alive by many scientists....
What do the common cold, the flu, herpes and AIDS have in common? Viruses cause them. There's more. Hepatitis, polio, RSV, Ebola, foot-and-mouth disease, coxsackievirus, Kaposi's sarcoma, some encephalitis and HPV don't even complete the list of...
A virus is an infection that cannot be cured with antibiotics. Examples of viral infections include the common cold and flu. Many foods and herbs are known for their antiviral properties, which means that they prevent or kill viruses. Some foods...
The University of California, San Francisco writes that HIV antiviral medications help maintain the general health of the immune system. However, these drugs are not without side effects. Avert.Org explains that side effects vary from person to...
A virus, considered a microorganism, consists of an ultramicroscopic fragment of either DNA or RNA with a protein sheath wrapped around it. Unlike bacteria, viruses do not grow, play no valuable role in earthly life and show no sign of activity...
The use of garlic as a medicinal herb dates back more than 5,000 years, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Ancient Egyptians used garlic cloves to promote longevity and physical strength. Garlic may also offer...
Viral infections are caused by parasitic microorganisms. Thousands of different strains of viruses exist, each with the ability to change and adapt to their environment, making them difficult to combat. The conventional medical approach is to...
Antiviral medications can be used to treat many different health conditions that are caused by viruses. Common viral infections that can be treated with antiviral medications include influenza and herpes viruses. These medications can be used to...
Antiviral drugs are prescribed for their effect against the influenza viruses, including the swine flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anti-viral medications for the prevention of influenza (chemoprophylaxis) as well as...
If you've ever had the flu or a cold, you have experienced a viral infection. Viruses are unique organisms in the world of infectious diseases due to their small size. Although tiny, viruses can cause a vast array of complex diseases and can be...
One berry with a reputation for antiviral properties is the elderberry. Sambucus nigra, also known as the European elder, is the most popular variety for medicinal usage, but several other species exist as well. The European elder is native to...
Viruses are non-living cells that are light enough to travel through the air. These cells can enter your body through your nose or mouth, and place their DNA into healthy cells to spread and cause illness. Viruses are responsible for infections...
Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years to relieve viral infections. The remedies are prepared from different parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, bark, roots or berries. Herbal remedies can be taken as extracts, powders,...
Antiviral agents work against viruses and the first line of defense for viral bronchitis, colds and flu. Antiviral herbs work in the same manner. Scientists test herbal remedies for their ability to fight viruses and bacteria in the body through...
Shingles is a medical condition caused by the varicella zoster virus. The varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox in children and later moves to neural cells, where it lies dormant until it is reactivated at later time due to disease or...
Viruses and bacteria are the cause of many illnesses, from the common cold and flu to more serious diseases, such as hepatitis and meningitis. Viruses and bacteria are ever-present in our environment. While proper hygiene and sanitation are...
Viruses are tiny particles that can pass between individuals through a simple sneeze or a handshake. In some cases, viruses are inhaled, such as the influenza virus, or sexually transmitted, as in HIV. While there is no preventative for some...
Human papilloma virus is responsible for common warts that manifest on the hands, feet and genitals. HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact, and a few types are associated with cervical cancer. Although there is no pharmaceutical cure for...
Viruses are parasites that cannot reproduce on their own. They recognize specific molecules on the surface of target cells and bind to them. After entering the cells, viruses take off their protein coat'a process called un-coating'to release the...
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful, blistering skin disease caused by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox in children. Following chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue and may reactivate later in...
Herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat everything from the common cold to wounds. Many herbs have a variety of benefits and can be used safely with modern over-the-counter and prescription medications. Herbs that have antiviral...
