Humans have been battling with viruses forever. From some viral diseases, we have been winning through vaccines and anti-viral drugs, with diseases like small pox being completely eradicated. While, for some viruses like coronavirus, we are still struggling to find a cure. While the winning is still a long way, the fight is still going strong. Mainly the most recent dangerous viruses have been claimed to be originated from animals that have taken the lives of millions.
The coronavirus is the all new deadly virus that has caused the pandemic and made our life hell. But do you know that are several other viral diseases that are just if not more, dangerous than COVID-19? The main problem with viruses is that they are highly contagious. They can easily be transmitted from one infected person to another through touch and air. So, to lead a healthy life, disinfection and sanitization of our surroundings are important.
Let’s see what viruses other than COVID are lethal:
1. Ebola Virus:
Ebola is a rare but life-threatening virus that emerged in 1976 in Africa. The virus is named after the Ebola River present in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The natural hosts of Ebola are the fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family. Ebola was transmitted to humans through the contact of blood, secretions, and bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, porcupines, monkeys, etc.
Common symptoms include:
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Body ache
• Stuffy and runny nose
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
2. Marburg Virus:
The Marburg virus is very much like that of Ebola, which was first discovered in the 1960s in the German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt. But, it was between 1998 and 2000 when the fatality of this virus was noticed and in 2004 in Marburg, 227 people lost their lives out of 252 reported cases. Transmission of this virus occurs through direct contact with the infected human or animal. It is a very deadly virus and kills almost 88% of the people it infects.
Common symptoms are:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• fatigue
• Sore throat
• Jaundice
3. Influenza Virus:
It is a viral infection that targets the respiratory system. The virus is transmitted through air and touch, just like every other flu virus. The Influenza virus is adapting and changing with new strains emerging frequently. For many people with stronger immune systems can tackle this virus, for those with a weaker immune system, the virus can be deadly.
Common symptoms include:
• Fever
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Red eyes
• Sore throat
• Eye pain
• Weakness
• Runny or stuffy nose
4. Swine Flu:
Swine flu is also known as the H1N1 virus, which is also a type of influenza virus. The H1N1 virus was first detected in 2009 that is a combination of viruses from pigs, birds, and humans. When the H1N1 virus caused respiratory problems it was termed swine flu. After millions of people got sick from swine flu, WHO declared it as a pandemic in 2009.
Common symptoms include:
• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body ache
• Red watery eyes
• Vomiting
• Nausea
5. Hanta Virus:
Hanta virus is caused when the person comes in contact with an infected rodent, especially mice. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) was first discovered in 1993 in the south-western United States. It takes usually 1–5 weeks for the symptoms to start developing. Since there is no cure for this virus, severe infection can be lethal. As of now, Hanta virus has a fatality rate of 38%.
Common symptoms include:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
We are surrounded by dangerous viruses. The best preventive measure you can take is to get vaccinated, if available. Maintaining a hygienic lifestyle is the way to lead a healthy lifestyle. Disinfection and sanitization of homes and surrounding is very important to eliminate all kinds of viruses and bacteria. Remember, immunity is as strong as our lifestyle and it also has its limits, so stay healthy and stay safe.