Viral

From a medical standpoint, "viral" pertains to viruses and their effects on living organisms. Viruses are microscopic infectious agents that replicate only inside the living cells of an organism. They can infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. Medical viral diseases range from the common cold, caused by rhinoviruses, to more serious illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, influenza, and COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Viruses consist of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protein coat and, in some cases, a lipid envelope. Because they are not alive in the traditional sense, they require a host cell to reproduce, hijacking the cell's machinery to synthesize their own components.

In terms of pathogenesis, viruses can induce a range of immune responses in the host. Some viruses may be relatively benign, causing mild symptoms, while others can be lethal. Antiviral medications and vaccines play a crucial role in controlling viral infections. Vaccines, for example, help build immunity by training the immune system to recognize and combat viruses without causing the disease. Meanwhile, antiviral drugs can treat viral infections by impeding viral replication, but managing viral diseases remains a global healthcare challenge, especially with the emergence of new viral strains and the potential for pandemic spread.