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
The US is having its most active flu season in 15 years
The U.S. is currently experiencing very high levels of seasonal influenza across the country. Here's why.
The exceptionally rare disease that causes holes to form in your brain
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is an extremely rare and fatal brain-wasting disease that's like a human version of "mad cow."
2nd form of bird flu detected in US cows
A branch of the H5N1 bird flu family tree that hadn't previously been seen in cattle has now been detected in dairy cows.
New 'Camp Hill' virus discovered in Alabama is relative of deadly Nipah — the 1st of its kind in the US
A new virus related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses has been detected in shrews in the U.S. However, scientists say there is currently "no evidence" that it has infected humans and the risk of it doing so is "likely low."
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.
