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Life-Threatening Viruses You Should be Aware of

By Vikas Chandra Das
17 November 2022, 4:06 PM

Since ages, viral illnesses have existed, and humans have battled them for ages. We have undoubtedly discovered ways to prevent and combat some of the most lethal viruses in human history through advances in technology and medicine. But, unfortunately, there is no end in sight as new and distinct infections keep emerging and spreading more damage than before.

The globe has come to a complete standstill due to the spread of the pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19), which has been designated new. Researchers worldwide worked nonstop to develop a treatment or vaccine for the fatal and widespread illness. In addition, health insurance companies are supporting us by covering some viral diseases. The coronavirus is not, however, the first or only virus that poses a threat to human life. Many additional viral illnesses occasionally endanger human lives. Some of the most harmful viruses on the planet include the ones listed below.

Here are Those Viral Diseases

Dengue 

The threat of dengue disease never goes away. Learn about dengue if you are in a tropical region. Dengue, spread by mosquitoes, affects 50 to 100 million people annually in well-known vacation spots like Thailand and India. However, the 2 billion people who reside in places where dengue fever is a threat are more affected by this issue.

Influenza

Influenza is an infectious disease spread through the air caused by influenza viruses. This illness differs significantly from the usual cold. Unlike the average cold, influenza can result in life-threatening conditions such as otitis media, pneumonia, and even death. When a new strain emerges, it eventually causes a pandemic with a very high fatality rate. The worst flu pandemic ever recorded began in 1918 with the Spanish flu, which sickened up to 40% of the world's population and resulted in the deaths of about 50 million people.

Ebola 

Ebola is a rare, potentially fatal virus that causes side effects like acute sickness, muscle pain, fever, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The virus can occasionally cause bleeding both inside and outside the body. The virus is transmitted from one to another through direct contact and is contracted by wild animals.

Coronavirus

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a recently identified pathogen that causes coronavirus infection. The common signs of this virus are fever, dry cough, exhaustion, sore throat, headache, breathing difficulties, and chest pain. The virus is mainly disseminated by nasal discharge and saliva droplets of the infected person.

We have been facing COVID-19 for more than two years. If not treated immediately, it needs hospitalisation and can even be fatal. It can range from minor to severe infections. The virus's unpredictable nature and capacity for rapid mutation are two of its most hazardous characteristics. 

Rhinovirus

A reasonably common rhinovirus can cause sinus infections, ear infections, sore throats, and severe cold. Pneumonia could also result from this virus. Both kids and adults can get sick from this. The rhinovirus easily spreads from one individual to another. It spreads through the fluids expelled from an infected person's runny nose when they cough or sneeze.

Varicella-Zoster (VZV)

A particular virus called varicella-zoster causes chickenpox, tiredness, itching, and blisters that ooze fluid. By physically touching an infected individual's saliva, blisters, or mucus, the virus can be transferred from one person to another. Sneezing and coughing also help spread the virus through the air.

The Bird Flu Virus

Since the mortality rate is 70%, the various bird flu strains frequently induce panic, and this fear is perhaps justifiable. However, the chance of getting the most well-known type, H5N1, is relatively low. Only close touch with chickens can cause infection. This, it is claimed, explains why most instances occur in Asia, where people commonly reside near poultry.

Rotavirus

Infants and young children suffer from severe diarrhoea brought on by rotavirus. The virus is highly contagious and spreads quickly. Although this virus attacks children most frequently, it can also affect adults less severely. Additionally, it gives the afflicted person stomach pain, fever, and vomiting.

HIV (AIDS)

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a chronic illness known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (HIV). There is no treatment available for this potentially fatal illness. However, improving HIV infection prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care is now a treatable medical condition. Having killed millions of lives to date, HIV "continues to be a major global public health issue," the WHO reports.

Swine Flue 

The seasonal influenza virus comes in four subtypes: A, B, C, and D. The WHO describes both types A and B as "seasonal epidemics".

The H1N1 flu, sometimes referred to as the swine flu or type A influenza virus, is one of numerous flu virus strains that appeared in the spring of 2009. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims, "It was originally discovered in the United States and has swiftly spread throughout the rest of the world." The new H1N1 virus included a unique mix of influenza genes that had never been seen in humans or animals. " The health organisation estimates that during the first year the virus was in circulation, 151,700 to 575,400 people worldwide expired from (H1N1) pdm09 viral infection.

Viral illnesses have always been prevalent in humans. However, when the treatment and diagnosis of vial diseases are delayed, the situation worsens and can occasionally be fatal.

In certain situations, a patient may suffer substantial harm due to a lack of funding or care. Therefore, purchasing health insurance equips an individual or family with the means to handle unexpected medical expenses. Health insurance policies can cover a certain sum for various viral illnesses. You must, however, confirm with your insurance to see if viral infections are covered.

With benefit alternatives like cashless or reimbursement facilities, policyholders can obtain advantages, including treatment charges, inpatient costs, ambulance costs, and free health checkups.

Conclusion

These various virus species can cause harm to your health. Therefore, you should see a doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms. Also, keep in mind that every patient will experience infections differently.

Even though you have access to various insurance policies, it's crucial to pick one that offers protection against the global virus pandemic. Choose an insurance company that provides digital operations to ensure a hassle-free experience. Additionally, your insurer must not have many sub-limits to offer coverage.

FAQs

1. Does health insurance cover viral fever?

Yes. All health insurance plans cover the cost of treating viral fever in India.

2. Who is susceptible to serious COVID-19?

The chance of getting a severe disease from COVID-19 in adults rises with age, with older people most at risk. The likelihood of developing severe disease from SARS-CoV-2 infection is significantly higher in people of any age with specific underlying medical disorders.

3. What advantages does family health insurance have when a virus is evident?

Several family insurance plans cover viral infections, dengue, malaria, typhoid, and other diseases. With the aid of a family insurance plan, insured family members can pay for their diagnostic tests, medical expenses, and ambulance services as needed, either cashlessly or by reimbursement. OPD coverage is an additional perk of family health insurance.  

4. How does OPD coverage benefit a policyholder?

While hospitalisation is not always essential in some cases of viral infections, regular follow-up care and doctor consultation are still necessary because these conditions can last longer than usual. The complete therapy for various family members is therefore kept affordable by the out patient department, or OPD coverage.

5. What are the signs of viral fever?

  • Aches in the muscles and joints.
  • Headache.
  • Fatigue.
  • Sore throat and a runny nose.
  • Increasing body temperature.
  • Dehydration.
  • Regular chills
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