Top Ten Viruses in the World

Viruses can spread easily from human to human, from animal to human, or through other means. Often, a virus can be a simple matter of feeling sick for a few days, while in other cases it can be deadly.  It is vitally important for you to take preventative measures and get the proper care if you or a family member were to contract any of these viruses.

The top ten current viruses in the world are:

• The Flu – One of the most common viruses, the flu is usually transmitted through the air. People can contract the flu through mucus excretion like coughing and sneezing. The flu can cause heavy vomiting, fever, and severe dehydration. The best prevention is to wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the restroom. Vaccinations are especially helpful to prevent it from spreading and to prevent contraction.

• Rabies – Rabies is spread through animal bites, usually from wild animals like raccoons or foxes. Muscle spasms, fits, and delirium are common, and rabies can be quite painful. A series of shots must be given as treatment. The best way to avoid rabies is to stay away from wild animals as much as possible and to report any sight of rabid animals.

• Yellow Fever – This disease is transmitted through the bite of a certain mosquito called the Aedes species. Jaundice, fever, damaged liver, and sometimes kidney failure will accompany this virus. There is no set treatment, but a vaccine can help to prevent it for ten years.

• Chickenpox – Just about everyone will experience chickenpox in their lifetime, but it should only occur once. Most people get it as a child. Chickenpox in adults can be much more dangerous and is accompanied by fever, blisters all over the body, and severe itching and painful swelling of the skin.

• HIV/AIDS – AIDS is transmitted through blood transfusions, unprotected sex, and sharing needles (usually via drug use). There are HIV vaccinations which now help to make AIDS much more survivable than it was several decades ago. AIDS can be avoided by practicing safe sex, avoiding drug use, and ensuring that all needles and blood are clean in the event of a transfusion.

• Pneumonia – This unpleasant virus can get into the lungs and respiratory system, causing fever and difficulty breathing. The elderly tend to be more susceptible, but anyone can be a victim. Hospitalization is often needed in cases of pneumonia, so the intensity can be assessed and proper treatment given.

• Poliomyelitis – This virus occurs when feces are ingested. Fever, sore throat, and muscle weakness are some symptoms. There are oral vaccines that can be given for treatment. A good way to avoid contracting this virus is to avoid imported produce, which may contain traces of animal feces.

• HPV Virus – This virus is associated with genital warts, and is also linked to the cause of many types of cervical cancer in women. Safe sex is the best way to avoid it, and a new vaccine is now available to women to help prevent it from spreading.

• Measles – While not as common as it once was, measles is contracted through the air, much like the flu. White dots inside the throat, runny nose, red face and throat, and swelling are common. Vaccines for children are encouraged to help avoid contraction.

• West Nile Virus – Another virus contracted from mosquitoes, the West Nile Virus is extremely dangerous. Brain swelling and death are common, especially in 3rd world countries. Wearing insect repellent and being aware of the symptoms are the best measures for prevention.

While there are hundreds of strains of viruses floating around today, these ten are the most commonly seen in humans in developed nations. Being aware of how to they are spread, and how to prevent them is the key to fighting these horrible viruses.