Question

Imagine that you work in a busy infectious disease office and you have been asked to prepare a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide to educate patients. Consider your wording carefully to be thorough but also understandable to the general public.

Create a public health guide that addresses the following common health questions:

1. Why are antibiotics ineffective against viral infections?
2. Why do some viral infections remain with a patient for life (e.g., Herpes Simplex 1 and 2, hepatitis C)?
3. How do viruses cause cancer? Do all viruses cause cancer?
4. What is the difference between RNA viruses, DNA viruses, and retroviruses?

Answer 1

Why are antibiotics ineffective against viral infections?

Antibiotics are made to work against bacteria.The structures of viruses are different and the division takes place differently compared to bacteria.Their survival method is also not the same as that of a bacteria.So administering antibiotics for viral infections only develops resistance against antibiotics but not against viral infections.

Why do some viral infections remain with a patient for life (e.g., Herpes Simplex 1 and 2, hepatitis C)?

There is no cure for some viral infections like Herpes simplex 1&2 and hepatitis C.The virus remains in the body for ever once it has entered.Treatments can only reduce the symptoms.

How do viruses cause cancer? Do all viruses cause cancer?

During an infection,the viruses can alter a healthy cell's genetic structure by spreading their DNA which in turn cause cancer.Majority of viruses cannot cause cancer but some are efficient.

What is the difference between RNA viruses, DNA viruses, and retroviruses?

DNA is the genetic material in DNA virus,RNA in RNA virus.RNA viruses are also known as Retroviruses.RNA viruses on entering a cell to settle,they convert their RNA into DNA but the DNA viruses after entering the cell reach the nucleus,multiplies and copies to RNA.