A virus is defined as any of a various number of submicroscopic parasites that can infect any animal, plant or bacteria and often lead to very serious or even deadly diseases. A virus consists of a core of RNA or DNA, generally surrounded by a protein, lipid or glycoprotein coat, or some combination of the three. No virus can replicate without the help of a host cell, and though they can be spread, viruses lack the ability of self-reproduction and are not always considered to be living organisms in the regular sense.Some of the most common or best known viruses include the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is the virus that causes AIDS, the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, smallpox, multiple sclerosis, and the human papilloma virus, now believed to be a leading cause of cervical cancer in adult women. The common human cold is also caused by a virus.Since a great deal of mystery still surrounds the origins of most modern viruses, ways to cure these viruses and the diseases they cause are still in the very early stages of development.
Latest about Viruses, Infections & Disease
Teen sickened with Canada's first human case of bird flu is in critical condition — and the source remains a mystery
A teenager in Canada is critically ill with the country's first human case of H5N1 bird flu. Health officials aren't sure how the youth was exposed.
Necrotizing fasciitis: The 'flesh-eating' infection that bores holes in the body
Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare, life-threatening illness caused by bacteria that aggressively attack the soft tissue of the body.
Canada reports 1st local case of H5 bird flu
A teen in Canada may be the first person to catch an H5 bird flu virus within the country. Health officials are now working to confirm the diagnosis.
H5N1 bird flu is evolving to better infect mammals, CDC study suggests
Rising H5N1 bird flu cases in the U.S. prompted the CDC to study the virus in ferrets, revealing it may have the potential to spread and cause severe symptoms in other mammals.
BRCA only explains a fraction of breast cancers — genes tied to metabolism may also up risk
Scientists pinpointed 80 gene variants, including eight tied to fatty acid metabolism, that may cause breast cancer in some people, new research suggests.
Can viruses cause cancer?
The far-reaching impact of certain viruses on the body can make cells grow out of control, causing cancer.
Bird flu could become deadlier if it mixes with seasonal flu viruses, experts warn
As of now, 17 states have reported H5N1 bird flu cases in humans, but there is still no evidence for transmission between people. Could that change?
How to get better faster when you have the flu, according to science
Experts explain how to shorten a flu infection.
