Five viral diseases are: COVID-19, Influenza (the flu), HIV/AIDS, Viral Gastroenteritis, and Varicella (chickenpox).
Here's a little more about each of these viral diseases:
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COVID-19: A respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms can range from mild (like a cold) to severe (requiring hospitalization). It's highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
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Influenza (the flu): A common respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. Influenza can be prevented with annual vaccination.
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HIV/AIDS: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the later stage of HIV infection. HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy can control the virus and allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives.
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Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): An intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. It's often caused by viruses like norovirus and rotavirus. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water, or by close contact with an infected person.
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Varicella (Chickenpox): A highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes an itchy, blister-like rash. Chickenpox is preventable with a vaccine.
