iruses are capsules with genetic material
inside. They are very tiny, much smaller than bacteria.In fact, some
viruses known as bacteriophage, can even infect and replicate within a
bacterium.
Scientists argue a lot about whether
viruses are in fact living organisms or just organic structures
interacting with living organisms, because, some properties of viruses
make them seem alive, like the fact that they have genetic material and
that they make copies of themselves to reproduce. On the other hand, the
argument still exists that viruses lack some properties of living
things because they do not have a cellular structure, they have no
energy metabolism, they do not grow, they produce no waste products, and
they do not respond to stimuli.
Viral diseases range from trivial
infections to plagues that alter the course of history. They are
difficult to treat because viruses live inside our body’s cells, and are
“protected” from medicines, which usually move through our blood
stream. In fact, because of the enormous variations in viruses, and in
their epidemiology and pathogenesis, there is no single, magic-bullet
approach to control them. Antibiotics cannot kill viruses.
Viral infections are usually passed on
indirectly, by touching contaminated surfaces such as taps, toilet
handles, or directly by close contact with an infected person, breathing
in the exhaled droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes,
touching or shaking hands, touching food with dirty hands, ingestion of
contaminated food or water, contact with body fluids such as blood,
saliva and semen, which contain the infecting organisms, by sharing
hypodermic needles, cuts from sharp objects such as blades, and even via
transmission of infected fluids during sexual contact.
Antibiotics do not work for viral
infections. However, vaccination, a few antiretroviral drugs, and
prevention strategies seem to be the major solutions at the moment. Most
viral infections can be avoided if these basic prevention strategies
can be adhered to;
Wash or sanitise your hands after
shaking, handling money, touching door handles, elevator buttons, light
switches, handrails in public places, and handling pets. Frequent hand
washing or sanitising can help prevent transmission of illness from
infected people.
The hand washing procedure begins with
wetting your hands with water and allowing enough antiseptic soap to
cover all hand surfaces, rubbing hands palm to palm, washing the back of
your hands, and in between each finger. Also, you need to note that
hand washing procedures should not be done in a hurry because there is
need to allow some time for the active ingredient in the soap to
inactivate the microorganism.
On a lighter note, I will suggest that
you sing the whole of the first stanza of the Nigerian national anthem
through for a thorough hand wash.If you are in a hurry, you can just
count 1 to 20.
After washing, ensure that you rinse
properly with running water (not in a bowl of water) and also clean
thoroughly. Do not clean your hands on your body, clothing or any other
material that may be contaminated, so as not to defeat the purpose why
you washed your hands.
If soap and water are not available, use
an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Viruses can live on your hands, and
regular hand washing can help protect you from getting infected.
Encourage family members to cover their
mouths and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, and to dispose
of the tissue themselves. No time to grab a tissue? Cough or sneeze into
the inside of your elbow, or sleeves of your shirt instead of your
hands.
Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible, and improve airflow in your living space by opening the windows.
Never touch your mouth, nose, or eyes
without washing your hands, and try to avoid rubbing your eyes and nose
after shaking hands with someone who has a cold.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces,
and objects such as toys and doorknobs. Also, Avoid close contact with
others, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.
Avoid sharing personal items like
toiletries, towels and pillows, and teach your kids not to share food,
spoons, plates and other things that go in the mouth, as in guzzling
water from a plastic bottle or double dipping chips.
Be cautious at buffets. If someone coughs
on food or in some other way transmits a virus to food it could then be
transmitted to you. Serving utensils, tongs etc. should be readily
available for this type of dining. Ensure personal cutlery sets are not
dipped into the general dishes.
Wash fruits that are cut, such as melons,
pineapple, etc, to avoid transferring any dirt or contamination from
the outside of the fruit to the inside during cutting.
The use of condoms during sexual
intercourse reduces the likelihood of spreading sexually transmitted
viruses such as Ebola, Hepatitis B, C, HIV, etc.
In conclusion, I urge you to imbibe a
healthy lifestyle which includes having adequate sleep time, exercise,
and eating nutritious foods and nourishing fruits.
Have a splendid weekend.
