Viral Infections

Viral infections occur when viruses, tiny infectious agents, invade the body and reproduce inside its cells. Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot survive or replicate on their own; they need a host. Common viral infections include the flu, common cold, and COVID-19. Symptoms often range from mild (like a cough or fever) to severe, depending on the virus and a person’s health. The body usually fights off these infections through the immune system, but some viruses can cause long-lasting effects or complications. Vaccines can help prevent many viral infections by training the immune system to recognize and combat specific viruses.