Viraemia

A Viraemia describes the occurrence of viruses in the bloodstream. Viremia always occurs when a viral infection has occurred. In contrast, there is the viral load, which represents the virus concentration in the blood.

What is viraemia?

In the Viraemia the host cells of the patient are destroyed. This is where the viruses multiply. At the same time, fever and chills often occur, which are to be viewed as a reaction of the immune system.

The leukine concentration in the blood increases sharply. The lymphatic system is also usually infected by viruses. This then triggers what is known as primary viraemia. Some types of viruses also spread throughout the human organism, while others remain in the original cells and are spread from there.

An example of this is infection with HI viruses, which spread in the host's CD4 T cells. Here there is then a strong increase. This then leads to what is known as secondary viraemia. Once this process is complete, the viruses remain in the tissue, where the organic symptoms of the disease ultimately appear.

causes

Viruses are usually transmitted in the form of contact and droplet infections. They can also be transmitted by all body fluids. Smear infections occur when they come into contact with infectious waste. Food can also cause a smear infection.

These are typical routes of infection for diseases such as hepatitis or polio. If there is a droplet infection, the viruses are transmitted via the air they breathe when infected people cough or sneeze. Diseases such as vario cells, measles, mumps and rubella can be transmitted.

Contact with infected body fluids transmits forms of hepatitis or HIV, for example. There is also a certain risk at birth when the newborn comes into contact with the mother's mucous membranes. Insect bites can also be dangerous. A tick bite, for example, can cause diseases such as TBE.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

In viraemia, the viral load in the blood is diagnosed using a blood test. Since there are countless types of viruses, the course of the disease in humans is also very different. The diseases can be harmless or have very threatening effects on human health.

Most viral diseases pass quickly and without complications for the patient. In some cases, however, dangerous side effects such as pneumonia can occur. This is not uncommon for an infection with vario cells. If pregnant women become infected with this type of virus, it can cause severe damage to the unborn child.

The end-stage infection with the HI virus always causes death of the patient, since it triggers the so-called opportunistic infections described by AIDS. The situation is different for flu-like illnesses.

The viruses are comparatively harmless, and those affected do not have to struggle with the unpleasant side effects for long. Treatment is done through rest, as there are no drugs that can fight viruses. Therapy is therefore only symptomatic.

Diagnosis & course of disease

In viraemia, only the patient's symptoms can be treated. This is due to the fact that, unlike a bacterial infection, there are no drugs available against viruses of any kind. Most of the symptoms are uncomfortable but cannot harm your health.

It is a little more complicated with HIV infection, which is usually treated by specialists. There are now many antiviral drugs available. These cannot kill the viruses, but they suppress their replication in the organism. Thus the course of the disease can be delayed. However, a cure is not possible.

It is necessary to take the appropriate medication daily for a lifetime. In addition, regular blood tests must be carried out. Since the risk of infection is very high, extreme caution is required here. The transmission takes place here through contact with the body fluids of the infected person.

If you have flu-like infections, you should drink a lot. There are also many other home remedies that can provide relief. Painkillers and cold sprays can also be used. The latter cause the nasal mucous membrane to swell, making it easier to breathe through the nose.

Complications

In most cases, viremia can be treated relatively easily, so that there are no further complications or complaints for the person concerned. However, if the viraemia is not treated, the viruses spread in the bloodstream and can lead to various diseases. This often leads to pneumonia or a strong flu, which in the worst case can even lead to the patient's death.

For this reason, viraemia should always be treated, especially if it has already developed into an inflammation or an infection. Since the viraemia cannot be treated with medication, those affected have to take care of their bodies. There are no complications. In the case of serious viral diseases, those affected are dependent on taking medication and taking special precautionary measures.

Complete healing is often not achieved. With the help of various medications, the individual symptoms of the infection or the flu can also be alleviated. Again, there are no complications. If the viraemia can be treated, it will not reduce the patient's life expectancy.

When should you go to the doctor?

Viremia is a viral disease. Since this disease is associated with a risk of infection, a doctor should always be visited. In particular, people with a weakened immune system need help and support in coping with the health impairment. A feeling of illness, a general malaise or a decrease in physical or mental performance are signs of illness.

A doctor should be consulted to clarify the cause and to draw up a treatment plan. An inner weakness, loss of zest for life as well as exhaustion and fatigue should be discussed with a doctor. If there are flu-like symptoms such as headaches, body aches or functional disorders in the organism, various medical tests are necessary. An increase in the existing symptoms or a persistent feeling of inadequate performance are signs of illness.

Sleep disorders and withdrawal from social and societal life must also be clarified. If the daily obligations can no longer be carried out as usual, the observations should be discussed with a doctor. If left untreated, some viral diseases can lead to premature death. A visit to the doctor is therefore generally advisable if the symptoms persist for several days or if a gradual development is emerging. Impairments in breathing, fever, and sweating should also be treated.

Treatment & Therapy

Viraemia can be treated in different ways. Vaccinations are often used to prevent illness. There are some standard vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, for example. Vario cells or polio can also be prevented in this way. A vaccination against hepatitis B is also possible.

If viraemia is transmitted by droplet infections, it is imperative to avoid any contact with infected people. Precautions must also be taken in the event of infection through body fluids such as blood or semen to prevent infection. Here, for example, condoms should always be used or contact should be avoided. Furthermore, thorough hygiene must be observed.

prevention

It is essential to wear gloves when treating open wounds. In contrast, flu-like infections are difficult to avoid. Contact through droplet infection is actually everywhere and cannot be prevented. However, there are other ways to prevent viraemia. In particular, it is very important that the immune system is optimally strengthened so that it can fight off invading viruses.

A healthy and balanced diet is a great advantage. You should also get enough sleep so as not to unnecessarily weaken the body. Physical activities such as sport and adequate exercise also have a positive effect on the immune system.

Aftercare

Classic aftercare falls within the medical area of ​​responsibility and is usually associated with tumor diseases. Doctors try to find a new cancer tumor in the early stages in scheduled examinations and to draw a treatment advantage from it. Viremia, on the other hand, requires a focus of infection.

After a previous illness has subsided, it is not possible to break out again from an old ailment. Patients themselves must take appropriate measures to prevent infection. If necessary, doctors inform risk patients about suitable behavioral tips. For example, patients themselves are responsible for a balanced diet and adequate hygiene.

Regular physical activity also helps to strengthen the immune system. In particular, contact with other sick people should be avoided. The treatment of viraemia can take a long time depending on the severity. Then the patient needs help in everyday life. Resting is indicated as part of the aftercare. Medicines support the progress of recovery.

In addition to documentary requirements, scheduled follow-up examinations aim to prevent complications. Symptom-related examinations and blood tests take place regularly. Doctors recommend vaccinations - also to prevent viraemia. Those who have their protection renewed continuously contribute to better defenses.

You can do that yourself

Viremia is a natural phenomenon during a viral infection. It manifests itself through a number of symptoms, such as fever and chills, which can be alleviated by various home remedies and self-help measures.

If you have a fever, a lot of rest is recommended. The body is sometimes very weakened and must not be strained further through physical activity. In addition, the diet must be changed. In general, we recommend light foods such as rusks and unsweetened tea. Those affected should also cover themselves well to prevent the body from cooling down. Cooling compresses may be used in consultation with the doctor. For every degree increase in temperature, the body needs an additional liter of fluid to prevent dehydration.

From naturopathy, for example, willow bark, which contains the natural pain reliever salicylate, is ideal. Elder and linden blossoms also serve as a means to stimulate sweat production. In addition, the body temperature should be measured regularly. If the fever is high, the doctor must be called in. As a rule, however, viraemia subsides on its own as soon as the body has completely killed the virus.