Understanding How Viruses Cause Infections in Humans
Viruses are tiny germs that can make us sick. They have special ways of getting into our bodies and causing infections. Knowing how viruses work is important for finding ways to treat them. Let's break it down into simple steps.
How Viruses Get In: Viruses enter our cells by latching onto special spots called receptors. For example, the virus that causes COVID-19, known as SARS-CoV-2, uses a receptor called ACE2. During big outbreaks, this virus can infect more than 1 out of every 10 people around the world. After getting inside a cell, viruses take over the cell’s normal functions, which can lead to serious symptoms.
Making More Viruses: Once inside the cell, viruses make copies of themselves. This can damage the cells and cause problems. For instance, when someone gets the flu, the virus multiplying can harm the cells, leading to damage and swelling in the tissues.
Avoiding the Immune System: Our immune system helps us fight off infections, but many viruses find ways to hide from it. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) changes quickly, making it hard for doctors to create vaccines. Each year, over 1.5 million new people get infected with HIV.
Killing Cells: Some viruses, like the Cytomegalovirus (CMV), can directly kill the cells in our body. Others may cause a process called apoptosis, where cells basically self-destruct, or they can cause something called necrosis, which leads to cell damage and problems with our organs.
Staying in the Body for a Long Time: Certain viruses can stick around for a long time in our bodies. For example, Hepatitis B and C viruses affect about 290 million people globally. These long-lasting infections can cause serious health issues, like liver damage and even cancer.
By learning about how viruses work, doctors can better figure out how to treat infections and help patients recover with medicines and vaccines.
Understanding How Viruses Cause Infections in Humans
Viruses are tiny germs that can make us sick. They have special ways of getting into our bodies and causing infections. Knowing how viruses work is important for finding ways to treat them. Let's break it down into simple steps.
How Viruses Get In: Viruses enter our cells by latching onto special spots called receptors. For example, the virus that causes COVID-19, known as SARS-CoV-2, uses a receptor called ACE2. During big outbreaks, this virus can infect more than 1 out of every 10 people around the world. After getting inside a cell, viruses take over the cell’s normal functions, which can lead to serious symptoms.
Making More Viruses: Once inside the cell, viruses make copies of themselves. This can damage the cells and cause problems. For instance, when someone gets the flu, the virus multiplying can harm the cells, leading to damage and swelling in the tissues.
Avoiding the Immune System: Our immune system helps us fight off infections, but many viruses find ways to hide from it. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) changes quickly, making it hard for doctors to create vaccines. Each year, over 1.5 million new people get infected with HIV.
Killing Cells: Some viruses, like the Cytomegalovirus (CMV), can directly kill the cells in our body. Others may cause a process called apoptosis, where cells basically self-destruct, or they can cause something called necrosis, which leads to cell damage and problems with our organs.
Staying in the Body for a Long Time: Certain viruses can stick around for a long time in our bodies. For example, Hepatitis B and C viruses affect about 290 million people globally. These long-lasting infections can cause serious health issues, like liver damage and even cancer.
By learning about how viruses work, doctors can better figure out how to treat infections and help patients recover with medicines and vaccines.