Most Dangerous Viruses on Earth

The spread of the pandemic declared novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought the entire world to a standstill. Since it is a new type of virus, scientists around the globe are working tirelessly to find a cure or vaccine for the deadly and highly contagious disease. However, coronavirus is not the first and only viral disease which is dangerous for human life. There are several other viral diseases which from time to time have been causing damage to human lives. The following are some of the most dangerous viruses on Earth:

1. Coronavirus

Coronavirus is a newly discovered virus, which causes coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. The most common symptoms of this virus include fever, dry cough, tiredness, sore throat, headache, difficulty in breathing, chest pain. The virus spreads primarily through discharge from the nose or droplets of saliva when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Precautions to protect yourself from the novel coronavirus

    • Wash your hands with soap for a minimum of 20 seconds or clean with an alcohol-based hand rub 
    • Avoid gathering, or going shopping or crowded places
    • Maintain a more than 6 feet distance between yourself and others
    • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
    • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze
    • Stay home and self-isolate even if you have minor symptoms
      
2. Rhinovirus

Rhinovirus is a very common virus that causes sore throats, ear infections, sinuses, and a nasty cold. This virus may cause pneumonia. This infects both children and adults. Rhinovirus is easily transmitted from one person to another. It spreads through the droplets, discharged from the runny nose of an infected person when he/she coughs or sneezes. 

To stay protected from Rhinovirus, practice the following:

    • Take enough rest when having symptoms
    • Drink extra fluid
    • Maintain distance from the person who has cold
    • Make sure you wash hands often

3. Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)

Varicella-zoster virus is a type of virus that causes fatigue, itching, oozing blisters, and chickenpox. The virus spreads from person to person by directly touching the saliva, blisters, mucus of an infected person. Besides, the virus is transmitted through the air by sneezing and coughing.

You can help prevent the spread of the virus by:

    • Practising good hygiene
    • Washing your hands frequently
    • Reducing exposure to people with chickenpox
    • Avoid contact with the person until all his blisters dry 
      
4. Ebola Virus

Ebola is a rare, life-threatening virus. It causes acute illness, muscle pain, fever, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Sometimes, the virus causes bleeding inside and outside the body. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact.

To stay protected from the Ebola virus, it is advisable to:

    • Avoid areas of known outbreaks
    • Wash your hands frequently
    • Avoid adding meat to your diet
    • Stay away from infected people
    • Follow infection-control procedures suggested by your doctor

5. Influenza

Influenza is an airborne infectious disease that is caused due to influenza viruses. This disease in comparison to the common cold is quite different. In contrast to the common cold, influenza is capable of causing serious health problems like otitis media, pneumonia, and even death. At the time, when there is an emergence of a new strain, consequently it leads to pandemic, with a very high mortality rate. The deadliest flu pandemic that was witnessed is Spanish flu, which started in the year 1918 and made up to 40% of the world’s population sick, wherein approximately 50 million people were killed.

To help in preventing the flu from spreading, do the following:

• Maintain a safe distance between other people and yourself
  
• Frequently wash your hands with a soap for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands using an alcohol based hand wash.
  
• Refrain from touching your face including mouth, nose etc.
  
• Cover yourself while coughing and sneezing
  
• Clean and disinfect your home on a regular basis.
  

6. Rotavirus

Rotavirus is said to cause serious diarrhea amongst young children and infants. The virus is highly contagious and gets transmitted easily. Although, children are most often attacked by this virus yet it also infect adults, though comparatively it is less severe. Alos, it causes fever and vomiting along with abdominal pain to the infected person.

Tips to help in preventing rotavirus from spreading, do the following:

• Ensure that you are washing your hands with a soap frequently and properly
  
• Get yourself vaccinated properly against the virus.
  
• Keep your surroundings clean and disinfect the surfaces.

Bottom Line

These are different types of viruses that can harm your body. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, it is good to seek a doctor immediately. Also, remember that the symptoms of viruses may vary from patient to patient. 

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Who Should Go for Coronavirus Self Quarantine

"Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard."