What is the meaning of viremia

However, some viruses can live on a dry, non-porous surface, such as a plastic container, for 7 days or more. The symptoms of viremia often depend on the cause of the infection, but many viral infections cause a similar set of symptoms. Sometimes the name of the related viral infection is listed to further describe cases of viremia, such as HIV-viremia or West Nile-viremia.

Blood tests and blood cultures may also be necessary to determine or confirm the specific cause of viral infections and viremia. A doctor is more likely to do this during an outbreak or epidemic of a specific virus.

For most viral infections, treatment involves dealing with the symptoms of the infection rather than the virus itself.

A few antiviral medications exist, but each medicine is usually only effective against a specific virus or family of viruses. In many cases, antiviral medications can only help reduce the spread or severity of viral infections, but not cure them.

Some antiviral medications also work predominately by strengthening the immune system response, not destroying or disabling the virus. Antiviral medications are also usually non-specific, meaning they target healthy cells alongside viruses. Another drawback of antiviral medications is that viruses can evolve and become immune to the medication, especially if the drugs are not taken correctly. In some cases of viremia, doctors will recommend a treatment called interferon. Interferon is a group of around 20 related signaling-proteins made by human immune cells in response to viruses.

There are also vaccines available that can significantly reduce the risk of developing some of the most serious and prevalent human viral infections. Most people receive an initial set of vaccinations or immunizations when they are very young.

They will then receive new vaccinations periodically throughout early childhood and adulthood. Many people will also receive vaccinations for specific viruses and diseases before traveling internationally. How long these vaccines are effective for usually depends on the type of vaccine. Common effective periods range from a few months to decades. Anyone who does not receive the standard recommended vaccines is far more vulnerable to viral infection and its complications than people with an up-to-date vaccination history.

Viremia can allow viruses to spread through the blood and infect tissues and organs throughout the body. Since many viruses kill host cells, long-term or severe viremia can cause damage to infected tissues and organs. Viruses depend on a living host, like a human or animal, for survival.

They survive by invading cells and using those cells to multiply and produce other viruses. This is called viral replication. There are many different types of viruses, and they are highly contagious. Some viruses only infect the skin, but others can move into the bloodstream.

The signs and symptoms of viremia depend on which virus you have. Once in the blood, a virus has access to almost every tissue and organ in your body. A virus attaches to one of your cells, releases its DNA or RNA, takes control of the cell, and forces it to replicate the virus.

Examples of viruses that enter the bloodstream include:. If you have viremia, chances are the infection spread from someone else that you were in close contact with. Some of the ways viruses can be spread include:. The most common route of transmission for viruses is through the respiratory tract.

But not all viruses can be spread this way. For example, HIV can only be passed from person to person from blood or bodily fluids and sometimes from mother to fetus. Some viruses enter the bloodstream directly through the bite of an infected insect or animal, such as Zika virus, which can be spread by a bite from an infected mosquito. You may not get sick from a viral infection. Sometimes, your immune system can fight it off before you have any symptoms.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose viremia by assessing your symptoms. For example, muscle aches, fever, and swollen lymph glands might indicate that you have viremia. And your doctor may also ask you some questions. Your answers to the following might assist in a diagnosis:. Your doctor can also look for the presence of viruses in your bloodstream through a blood test. Statistics for viremia Look-up Popularity. Style: MLA. Medical Definition of viremia.

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