Viruses: What Are They?

We have all heard of a virus and had some type of virus in our lifetime, but what exactly is it? A virus attacks when the host’s immune system is weakened. There are multiple symptoms of a virus but overall a virus is accompanied by headaches, fevers, and body aches. 

Breakdown Of A Virus 

A virus is a thousand times smaller than bacteria. It is so small that a microscope can not observe it. A virus is not alive but becomes “alive” and out of its dormant state when they insert themselves into living tissues. This is how they are able to reproduce. The key factor setting a virus apart from bacteria is that a virus has either DNA or RNA, but not both. This is the reason they are unable to grow if not attached to another living tissue. However, bacterias are able to eat, grow, and reproduce all on their own. 

Once inside a cell, the virus quickly takes over and begins to make copies of itself and new viral proteins. Eventually, the virus breaks free by bursting out of the host cell and going to infect other cells, spreading itself when the immune system is not as strong. Using this method of attack, a virus can spread quickly throughout the body. 

Example Of A Virus

Herpes-1 Virus is the virus responsible for cold sores. This virus is usually contracted during adolescence and given to a child from a family member by a social kiss. Since many are infected during childhood, by the time they are adults they no longer see it as a medical issue. 

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) virus is also a member of the herpes family and most people are infected with EBV during some point in their lives. In order to contract EBV, intimate contact through the salvia of an infected person is required. When infected, the commonly associated symptoms are fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and fatigue. 

Treatment

The removal of a virus is extremely difficult. There are prescription medications to help relieve symptoms but no medication has been 100% effective. However, there is a natural agent with studies performed that show effective treatment. Monolaurin is an anti-viral agent that is found naturally in breast-milk. This agent can also be found in amniotic fluid, heavy cream, and coconut oil. The power behind monolaurin is its ability to dissolve the protective membrane of the virus and destroy the main defense a virus has. Monolaurin also binds to a virus to inhibit the virus from attaching to a host cell. 

Viruses are tricky because they can spread so fast! Considering that they attack most when the immune system is weak, it is important that we do everything we can to keep our immune systems strong and able to fight. This includes washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your nose, eyes, and mouth, and eating a healthy diet full of vegetables, phytonutrients, and lean proteins to fuel the body’s cells and resist inflammation. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health coach  

References 

Grisanti, Ronald. “Interpretation and Treatment: Viral Screening .” Functional Medicine University . 2020, www. functionalmedicineuniversity.com/members/467 .cfm .

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