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Viral InfectionsA virus is a small, infectious organism that can cause a viral infection. Different viruses can be passed between people in different ways. A number of viruses can be breathed into your body through your nose or mouth when an infectious person coughs or sneezes. You may get some viruses by touching an infectious person. And some viruses can get into your body through sexual contact with an infectious person. With most viral infections you are infectious for several days before you begin to feel unwell or notice a rash. There is no set rule that says for how much longer you will be infectious. Each viral infection is different. If you are not sure how long you will be infectious or how you might pass on your viral infection you should ask your GP, or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Infectious periods for common viral infections are: Chickenpox: from about 2 days before and 5 days after your rash appears. Common cold: from about 1 day before and 1-3 days after your symptoms appear. Flu (influenza): from about 1 day before and 5 days after your symptoms appear. Children and people with lowered immune systems may remain infectious longer. Genital herpes: from when your rash first appears until the last blister has burst, scabbed and dried. Glandular fever: you are infectious during the incubation period (the time between being exposed to the virus and getting symptoms) and up to 2 months after the infection has passed. The incubation period is 33-49 days. Measles: from 2-4 days before and about 5 days after your rash appears. Mumps: from about 1 week before and several days after your symptoms appear. Rubella (German measles): from about 1 week before and 4-5 days after your rash appears. Shingles: from when your rash first appears until the last blister has scabbed over. For more information, click the link to each viral infection listed. How do I avoid viral infections? Make sure you have been immunized against Rubella (German Measles). Your GP will be able to do a simple blood test to check whether you are immune. The virus can cause serious developmental problems in the unborn child. Because the vaccine contains a live virus, pregnancy should be avoided for up to 3 months after vaccination, and you should not have the vaccination if you are already pregnant. Measles and mumps - make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Check this with your GP if you are unsure. To avoid the influenza virus, always wash your hands thoroughly. Avoid rubbing your eyes or nose after shaking hands with someone with a cold. Using condoms during sexual intercourse reduces the likelihood of spreading sexually transmitted infections, including the HIV virus. Avoid eating raw shellfish, which as well as carrying bugs such as salmonella, can also transmit Hepatitis A. If you are working in a childcare environment, wherever possible minimize close physical contact (e.g. kissing) of small children, who can easily pass on viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV is passed on through urine, saliva and other bodily fluids, so be particularly careful about hygiene and hand-washing, to minimize the chances of infection. A healthy lifestyle, including exercise and a balanced nutritious diet, will help your immune system to fight infections. There’s plenty of evidence that leads us to believe that aromatherapy can help us to maintain a healthy and balanced immune system. In the antibacterial aspect of oils, one of the most significant advances was made by Paul Belaiche in his 1979 work Traité de Phytothérapie et d’Aromathérapie. By using the aromatogram method, he was able to prove the effectiveness of individual oils on specific bacteria. He not only did this in a lab, he actually treated individuals with infectious illnesses. He concluded that oils could be grouped in three categories. He referred to oregano, savoury, thyme and clove as the oils with the broadest spectrum of efficacy (in later studies Belaiche added tea tree oil to this list). Pine, Cajeput, Eucalyptus Globulus, Lavender, Geranium, Petitgrain, Tarragon, Niaouli and Thymus serpyllium, were grouped as oils effective against a certain types of bacteria. With the final group having a strengthening effect on the immune response but not directly active against bacteria. Extracts from plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family have shown antiviral properties. Among these are Rosemary, Clary Sage, Lavender and Melissa. The fungicidal activity of essential oils can be seen in oils rich in esters like Lavender and Geranium. However,strong antifungals also include oils lacking in esters such as Tea Tree, Melissa, Myrrh and Patchouli. Although Manuka is a relatively new addition to the European repertoire it has many properties which make a valuable contribution in stimulating the growth of healthy new cells. |
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