Common viral infections include the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, chickenpox, mumps, measles and herpes.
The video below provides information about viral infections and how to manage them.
(Merck Manuals, US, 2020)
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Common viral infections include the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, chickenpox, mumps, measles and herpes.
The video below provides information about viral infections and how to manage them.
(Merck Manuals, US, 2020)
A viral infection is caused by exposure to a virus. Viruses cause infections by invading their hosts' normal cells and using these cells to multiply and produce other viruses like themselves.
Viruses spread easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing, contact with infected vomit or faeces (poo), exposure to bodily fluids in sex or sharing needles.
Babies, older adults and people with a weakened immune system should see their doctor if they get a viral infection.
However, most people can rely on their immune system to fight off the majority of viral infections. Therefore, treatment for most viral infections aims to ease symptoms while you wait to recover. This can include:
If needed, antiviral medicines can be used for HIV/AIDS and cold sores.
He Ako Hiringa has developed virus action plans for adults and children. An action plan can be used to help you manage your symptoms and know when to get help. You can download one for yourself or your tamariki and ask your healthcare provider to help you fill it in. You can find virus action plans in a range of languages here.(external link)
Antibiotics are useless in the treatment of viruses, as antibiotics only kill bacteria. Using antibiotics for viral infections can cause antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic overuse makes bacteria change so they are resistant to antibiotics – the antibiotics can’t kill them anymore. The more often antibiotics are used, the more chances bacteria have to become resistant.
Antibiotics need to be saved to treat severe bacterial infections.
You can stay vaccinated against viruses that cause some infections, such as the flu, COVID-19, measles, Rubella (German measles), mumps, hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Vaccination or previous infection means that when you encounter the virus again, you are likely to have fewer symptoms and a faster recovery, or you may not get sick at all.
However, some viruses, such as those that cause the common cold, can change from one person to the next. Vaccination for these kinds of viruses is difficult because the viruses have already changed by the time vaccines are developed.
To avoid catching a virus:
Viruses spread easily from person to person. So that you don’t infect other people, take the following steps when you have a viral infection:
The following links provide further information about viral infections. Be aware that websites from other countries may have information that differs from New Zealand recommendations.
Viral infections(external link) MedLine Plus, US
Your family and antibiotics – what you need to know(external link) Pharmac, NZ
Antibiotic awareness(external link) Ministry of Health, NZ
Virus action plan (adult)(external link) He Ako Hiringa, NZ, 2023 te reo Māori(external link), Samoan(external link), Tongan(external link), Arabic [PDF, 188 KB], Hindi(external link), Chinese (simplified)(external link)
Virus action plan (child)(external link) He Ako Hiringa, NZ, 2023 te reo Māori(external link), Samoan(external link), Tongan(external link), Arabic [PDF, 214 KB], Hindi(external link), Chinese (simplified)(external link)
Your family & antibiotics – what you need to know(external link) PHARMAC, NZ
Antibiotics aren't always the answer(external link) Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, US Chinese – Simplified(external link), Chinese – Traditional(external link), Korean(external link)
Viruses or bacteria – What’s got you sick?(external link) Centre for Disease Control & Prevention, USA
How long is someone infectious after a viral infection?(external link) NHS, UK, 2015
Think twice, seek advice(external link) World Health Organisation, 2017
Debate – do you prescribe antibiotics for respiratory tract infections? An everyday conundrum in general practice(external link) BPAC, NZ, 2015
Everything you need to know about the flu(external link) The Immunisation Advisory Centre, NZ, 2022
Respiratory tract infections (self-limiting) – reducing antibiotic prescribing(external link) BPAC, NZ, 2015
Cold season – managing without antibiotics(external link) BPAC, NZ, 2018
See also Healthify Clinicians pages for the relevant viral infection.
Virus action plan (adult) He Ako Hiringa, NZ, 2023 te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese (simplified)
Virus action plan (child) He Ako Hiringa, NZ, 2023 te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese (simplified)
Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Dr Janine Bycroft, GP Auckland
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