by 
The Curious Bag
-
Viruses cause thousands of diseases, including influenza, the common cold and gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, respiratory problems, fever, body aches and congestion. Viruses are treated with rest and fluids, but secondary bacterial infections require prompt medical intervention.
General
Most symptoms of viruses are either gastrointestinal or respiratory. Fever, body aches, fatigue and general malaise accompany both gastrointestinal and respiratory viral illnesses.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal viruses cause vomiting and diarrhea, usually within four to 48 hours of exposure, and last about two days. Some gastrointestinal viruses can last up to 10 days.
Respiratory
Respiratory viruses, most notably influenza, or flu, cause a distinct cluster of symptoms that include body aches, fever, exhaustion, sore throat, chest and nasal congestion, headache and difficulty breathing. Influenza can last 10 to 14 days.
Considerations
Many different viruses cause similar symptoms. Most virus symptoms resolve themselves with rest and time, but secondary bacterial infections afterward are common. If symptoms of a virus disappear then come back suddenly, see a doctor.
Prevention/Solution
Influenza viruses mutate easily, but getting a flu shot every fall can help prevent spread of the disease. Travelers can prevent viral gastroenteritis by avoiding raw foods and drinking bottled water.
Source:
Digestive Diseases: Viral Gastroenteritis
Medline Plus: H1N1 Flu Swine Flu
May Clinic: Respiratory Syncytial Vrius
More Information:
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC