Viruses are tiny parts of a cell, smaller than a bacterium, that attach to a human cell and start to multiply. Different viruses attack specific parts of the body, such as the blood, skin and liver, as well as the respiratory, neurological and digestive systems. Antibiotics do not stop the spread of a viral disease. Human viral diseases include molluscum contagiosum, viral meningitis, ocular herpes, roseola infantum and mononucleosis.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a highly contagious viral skin disease. Symptoms are small bumps, ranging in color from white to flesh-colored, with a depressed center. Molluscum bumps typically last from six to 12 months, but they may not disappear for up to four years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises to avoid scratching or picking at the bumps, as either can spread the disease to other parts of the body or another person.
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis, also known as aseptic or nonbacterial meningitis, is an inflammation of the covering on the brain and spinal cord. The most common viral source is the enteroviruses, or common intestinal viruses, group. Direct contact with an infected person through respiratory secretions or fecal material is the main source of spreading of viral meningitis. Preventive measures for spreading meningitis include frequent and thorough hand washing and covering coughs, as suggested by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Ocular Herpes
Ocular herpes is a contagious viral infection of the eye. Ocular herpes is the same strain of herpes that causes a cold sore--completely different from the sexually transmitted form of herpes. The Digital Journal of Ophthalmology from Harvard Medical School states that there are approximately 500,000 cases of ocular herpes treated every year in the United States. Symptoms include blurred vision, tearing and eye pain.
Roseola Infantum
Roseola infantum, a herpes virus 6 infection, presents mostly in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. Symptoms include a rash, sore throat, runny nose and a high fever between 103 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Merck Manuals, an online medical library, states that seizures occur in 5 to 15 percent of the children with high fevers.
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis, a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, presents with the symptoms of a sore throat, fatigue, fever and swollen lymph glands in the neck and armpits. The virus lives in saliva and mucous and transfers from one person to another through kissing, coughing or sharing drinking glasses. People between 15 and 35 years of age are the most common age group affected with mononucleosis, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Treatment consists of rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relief medicines.
