Viral diseases

• Viruses

  • Very small
  • They move into cells and duplicate themselves
  • This leads to the cell bursting and releasing all copies into the bloodstream
  • The damage and destruction of the cells makes the individual feel ill
• Measles symptoms:

  • fever
  • red skin rash
  • can lead to pneumonia and blindness
  • can be fatal
• Measles spread by droplets in the air. Can prevented by vaccinations in young children.
• HIV symptoms:

  • flu-like symptoms at first
  • virus attacks the immune system
  • leads to AIDS
• HIV is spread by sexual contact or exchange of bodily fluids
• HIV is prevented by:

  • using condoms
  • not sharing needles
  • screening blood when it is used in transfusions
  • use of antiretroviral drugs (stops the virus replicating in the body, slows down the development of AIDS)