What is a Virus? - Eduauraa

The virus is a microscopic parasite that is smaller than the bacteria when the size is compared.

It has a unique ability to thrive in as well as outside the host body.

It can survive the natural environment and does not require a host makes it more contagion.

When the word “virus” strikes in mind, the first and foremost thing that comes to mind is the COVID-19.

The entire situation of pandemic and lockdown due to the death of millions of people shows its reputation.

The only way to tackle the virus is through vaccines or antibodies that help enhance people's immunity. 

There are thousands of viruses in the world, and each having different sources and symptoms.

Viruses are so deadly because it directly attacks the immune system, and thus making people fall sick and having no antibody to fight the virus.

In this article, you will have a perfect piece of knowledge on the virus, different sources, vaccines, and treatment. 

A Brief Discussion of Virus

Viruses are tiny particles that exist almost everywhere.

Some virus requires host, whereas some do not.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, also known as SARS-CoV-2, has caused a pandemic called COVID-19.

The COVID virus has its source that is still debated. Mainly virus needs a living organism as a host to survive.

Its structure is so complex that it can thrive in plants, animals, and humans.

The main aspect that makes the virus deadly is its multiplying factor in the living organism.

The immune system helps fight viruses in living organisms, but it directly attacks the immune system and destroys immunity.

From the above segment, you already know that there are thousands of viruses.

There is a considerable range of variation in the form and complexity that makes each virus complicated.

Right from the beginning of living organisms, viruses are present.

It has a unique ability to alternate its form and complexity, due to which it still comes around over the years.

The researchers and experts have found out that the human race has faced almost three deadly virus attacks that were reported.

They also noticed that a pandemic or epidemic returns after every hundred years. The complexity of the virus is high that modern science is still unable to find the perfect source and mitigate it. 

Viruses have a core that is made up of genetic material such as DNA or RNA.

This core has a strong covering or protection that protects from nearly all immune systems of living organisms.

Scientists say that the covering or the virus's outer membrane that protects its core includes high protein.

Above the outer layer, some spikes help the virus to stick inside and move. These spikes are known as envelopes. 

Another interesting fact about the virus is that it quickly grows and reproduces but cannot produce adenosine triphosphate.

This is a compound that helps in commencing several processes in living cells.

It also does not contain any ribosomes, and therefore cannot produce proteins.

Due to this, it cannot reproduce independently and thus is dependent on its host entirely.

If the conditions and cell structure match the virus, it will quickly grow and multiply. 

There are different sizes and shapes of the virus.

In this below section, you will study the factors by which Scientists categorize the viruses:

a. The composition of nucleic acid helps to generate the genetic information
b. Containing a protective lipid or envelop and whether the protective layer was derived from the host
c. Shape and size, such as rod-shaped, nearly spherical, or other structure

The prime examples of virus that contains spikes or envelops are HIV and influenza.

Reportedly, seven types of coronaviruses can affect living organisms, mainly humans.

Each of the seven viruses is capable of multiplying or mutates and produces different variants. This makes it challenging to produce a specific vaccine. 

How do Viruses Transmit?

A virus thrives on reproducing in the host. After reproducing, the particles attack new cells and a new host. In this section, different ways of transmission are mentioned. 

1. Touch-

Suppose a person containing COVID-19 comes in contact with another person; the virus can spread.

The spikes help the virus stick on hand, and when the person touches the nose or eyes, the virus will enter the body and form COVID-19.

2. Direct Contact-

These are viruses that spread through direct contact with the skin.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a prime example of a direct contact virus.

Even if the person's skin with HPV comes in contact with another person, they will be affected. 

3. Respiratory Droplets-

These are droplets that are produced when a person coughs, speaks, and sneezes. SARS-CoV-19 and influenza are viruses that transmit through respiratory droplets. 

These are some of the factors that you should know about viruses.

There are constant researches to find and mitigate the exact source of the virus.

Hope this article helps raise awareness within people and thus take special care of themselves and their close ones when they are affected by viruses.