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Ebola: The Truth About How Viruses Work
Freedom Outpost
Yesterday, it was reported that an individual in Dallas, Texas was diagnosed with the Ebola virus. The concern now is not when or if the Ebola virus will enter the United States; but, containing the virus now that it has. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) director, Dr. Tom Frieden, stated in a press conference that he was confident the Ebola virus will be contained so that it does not spread throughout the country. The question is, “Is that possible?”
Everyone has had experience with viruses. Anytime you get the cold or the flu, you have contracted a virus. Some types of viruses affect the stomach and intestines producing vomiting and/or diarrhea. In the case of many viruses, it must “run its course” as there is no definitive treatment, except for symptom management, of many viruses.
A virus is an infectious agent that can only replicate or reproduce inside the living cells of other organisms. Since viruses are acellular, meaning they do not grow through cell division, they require the metabolism and machinations of the host cell in order to replicate or make multiple copies of themselves. There are many classifications of viruses based on their reproduction. Some viruses remain dormant or latent for long periods before being triggered to produce symptoms, e.g., herpes virus that causes cold sores and the varicella virus that causes shingles. Other viruses produce symptoms more quickly. Many viruses, such as polio and chickenpox, now have vaccines to prevent contraction of the virus or lessen its severity, in the case of the influenza vaccine.
It is important with any virus that individuals consider the incubation period, the contagion period, the mode of transmission and virulence of the strain, along with any antibodies or immunity of the individual to the virus.
