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
US reports 1st outbreak of 'highly pathogenic' H5N9 virus in poultry. Should we worry?
Nearly 119,000 birds have been culled at a farm in California after a bird flu called H5N9 was detected among the poultry.
What is alkaptonuria? The rare disease that turns your pee black
Alkaptonuria is an unusual disorder caused by a defect in protein metabolism.
Massive tuberculosis outbreak sickens dozens in Kansas
An ongoing tuberculosis outbreak in two Kansas counties has sickened dozens since January 2024.
Can cold weather make you sick?
Exposure to low temperatures for prolonged spells can trigger an array of different health conditions, some of which may be life-threatening.
1 in 22 COVID survivors develop debilitating chronic syndrome
A study suggests that catching COVID-19 significantly raises the risk of developing ME/CFS (formerly called "chronic fatigue syndrome"), a typically lifelong condition that can be debilitating.
'Carnivore diet' caused yellow lumps to grow on man's hands and feet
Eight months spent following a "carnivore diet" caused a man to grow big, yellow bumps on his hands, feet and elbows.
What is Capnocytophaga? How an innocent dog lick can trigger a fatal infection
Capnocytophaga infections in humans are rare, especially in historically healthy individuals, but when it occurs, the disease can be deadly.
LA wildfires: How can wildfire smoke affect your health?
Experts lay bare the health effects of breathing in wildfire smoke and the steps that can be taken to reduce one's risk.
