VIRUSES

Most of us will have had a cold or flu at one time or another, it’s a problem with being human. However, not many of us are sick when we have these simple colds and flu (which is good). We actually fear the sickness not the cold/flu.

There are, of course, some that can make you ill such as the Norwalk virus or food poisoning. Here we take a look at how viruses spread and what we can do to help prevent cross-infection, simply and easily.

 

Viruses work in the following way:
1. Viruses work by first gaining access to your body, either through the skin, cuts, mouth or nose.
2. Once they have entered your body they will try to gain entry to the cells in your body.
3. After they have gained entry they will start to replicate within the cell.
4. Finally, when there are too many of them in the cell they will be release themselves into
... the blood stream and nearby cells.
5. Once they have released themselves the entire process starts again with different cells
....and this is how viruses spread within the body.

How are they spread?
Viruses can live for long periods of time outside of the human body. This makes them extremely versatile and accounts for their rapid spread. Viruses spread in many different ways, all of which are listed below:
• Carrier organism such as flies and other insects.
• Airbourne, such as coughing and sneezing.
• Transfer of body fluids such as blood, semen etc.
• Surfaces on which body fluids have dried.

You can reduce the risk of catching and spreading viruses by following some simple steps
• Wash your hands before and after preparing food.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands after you have been to the toilet.
• Keep areas clean and tidy by using virucidal/bactericidal cleaners.

Common Viruses
There are quite literally thousands of different viruses that are in the world today, some of which have been eradicated by vaccination programmes. Not all of these viruses make you ill, in fact many of them do not. The list below shows some of the more common viruses.
Molloscum contagiosum
Common cold
Flu
Measles
Rubella
Chicken pox
Mumps
Polio
Rabies
Ebola
Respiratory syncytial virus
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Cold sores
Norwalk
Meningitis
Rift Valley Fever
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Sars
Warts
Bird Flu

Norwalk Virus
Norwalk virus is a severe problem and it is recognised as one of the leading causes of food related disease. The symptoms are:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach Cramps
• Possible hospitalisation

Do not prepare food if you suspect you have Norwalk Virus
Norwalk is a viral infection of the intestines and can be passed in the stool of an infected person. If you are infected you will usually recover within 2-3 days. However, Norwalk can be prevented by following some simple steps:
• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.
• Cook shellfish thoroughly before eating.
• Wash raw vegetables before eating.