How long does a viral infection last for?
In most people, most viral infections will last 2-3 days. In this article will describe how long do viral infections last for.
What are viruses?
Viruses are tiny germs that can only be seen under a microscope. They consist of an outer coat (capsid) and contain proteins and genetic information in various forms. Viruses do not contain the machinery to generate more proteins or replicate their genetic material.
Without a host (humans, animals etc) they cannot replicate. Once inside a human cell, they can release their inner contents (protein and genetic material) and use our cells machinery to generate more versions of itself. In doing so this can damage the cell.
How do viruses get into the body?
Different viruses prefer to use different cells for replication. They are also spread by different routes. Cells associated with that entry point may be infected. For example, influenza viruses (the flu) are spread by respiratory droplets. Therefore cells in the nasal passages, throat and airways are often affected.
So. How long do viral infections last?
The duration of a viral infection is dependent on many factors including the type of virus, where it has infected, and how our immune system is able to fight it off.
- Viral upper respiratory tract infections usually last 2-3 days, especially in younger, fitter people. But they can last for 7-10 days – 2 weeks maximum. See your doctor if they last longer that that
Note. Such viral infections can be complicated by infections of the sinuses (sinusitis), inner ear (otitis media), and the small pockets of the lungs (pneumonia). Inflamed airways can predispose people to bacterial infections. In such cases, antibiotics may be recommended by a doctor - Viral gastroenteritis (infection of the gut) usually starts to improve within 3 days. Some cases case last up to 14 days
- Viral meningitis (infection of the lining around the brain) symptoms can last 7-10 days, most viruses do not need antiviral treatment
- Viral conjunctivitis (infection of the eye) can take 2-3 weeks to improve.
People over the age of 65 years, children and people with conditions or on medications that affect their immune system may have longer symptoms.
They are also at increased risk of complications relative to the rest of the population. With that being said, viral infections are very common and most people recover well.
Exceptions
Some viral infections may take longer to clear or need more specific treatment and monitoring. These include viral hepatitis, human-immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as viruses contracted in tropical climates such as Dengue, Rabies and Japanese encephalitis.
Prevention
There are many effective vaccinations available to reduce the risk of viral infections. Routine childhood vaccinations available on the NHS target a number of important viral infections. This includes measles virus, a highly transmissible disease, which can make babies and children very sick. For those with risk factors, an annual Flu vaccination is available for free on the NHS via the GP.
Travel clinics and pharmacies with travel health services can administer specific travel vaccinations for a fee. It is recommended to check the vaccination section of the ‘Travel Health Pro” website at least 2 months prior to travelling.
Summary
We have described how long do viral infections last for? We hope you have found it helpful.
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