Types of Viruses & What causes them

Types of Viruses & What causes them

   Author’s note: This is a research essay on viruses. I will be writing about types of viruses and what causes them. 

   Not all viruses are harmful, some viruses can be helpful. Most viruses are harmful to the human body but can be helpful to animals or even plants. They can be harmful and helpful in many ways.    

   What is a virus? A virus is a small infection that reproduces only inside living cells of organisms. Viruses infect every and all types of organisms (Worden). A virus can’t move by its self, but it can reach a host’s (an organism that harbors a parasite). Also virus particles consist of three parts: molecules, protein coat; genetic material made from DNA. What are types of viruses? Some types of viruses are chickenpox, common cold, and measles.

  First, chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by varicella zoster virus. It also causes a rash of vesicles on the face and body. The chicken pox last up to two to three weeks (Sears). Also chickenpox can be severe in infants and adults but in children they may be mild. This virus can spread through direct touch or through the air (Sears). Some characteristic are itchyness of the skin, rash, bumps, and blisters. Normally the first sign of chickenpox is a rash. It is also never to be known of a person getting chickenpox more than once. A cure for servere chickenpox is varicella vaccine.

   Likewise, the measles are known to cause a rash on the body and or face. The measles is a very infectious illness caused by a viral infection which is caused by rubeola virus (Hill). Like chickenpox measles are one of the most contagious viral diseases. Measles are most dangerous in children. This virus is spread through the air. Some symptoms are a fever at about 39°C, coughing, sore throat (Hill). A way to cure measles is to stay in bed in a cold room while taking medication for coughing.

   Finally, the common cold is an illness caused by virus infection found in the nose. Also colds engage in the ears, bronchial tubes, and sinuses. The common cold last from three to about seven days (Gwaltney). This cold may last longer in elderly people, people with poor health, and children. Symptoms of the common cold are sneezing, runny nose, coughing, head ach, and scratchy throat. The common cold is caused by many different viruses. This viruses the common cold is one of the most well known viruses like the chickenpox. The common cold is also a contagious cold like chickenpox, and measles. This virus is spread through the air, coughing, and sneezing.      

   In conclusion, not all viruses are harmful, some viruses can be helpful. One way viruses can be harmful is that they could cause cancer and other very dangerous dieses. Viruses can also have a huge effect on some tissues in the body. They can also infect tissues and organelles (Abedon). As I said before not all viruses are harmful they can also be helpful. Also viruses can be helpful to some animals. The reason they are helpful to animals is because some animals can’t reproduce without having a type of virus. For example sheep can’t reproduce unless they have a virus (Gwaltney).

 Works Cited

Abedon, Stephen T. Understanding Colds. 24 July 2006. 23 April 2012 <http://www.commoncold.org/undrstn2.htm>.

Gwaltney, Jack M. Common Cold. 4 March 2007. 23 April 2012 <http://www.commoncold.org/index.htm>.

Hill, Peter. MNT. 6 August 2009. 23 April 2012 <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37135.php>.

Sears, Dr. "Chickenpox." Ask Dr. Sears. 17 April 2012 <http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/childhood-illnesses/chicken-pox>.

Worden, Dr Jeni. Science In Action . 01 October 2005. 18 April 2012 <http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/virusbacteria.htm>.