Balsall Heathan # 261 Dec 2006 - St. Paul's Community Trust

and enter the body by the genitourinary route. HIV
and human papilloma virus (HPV) are examples of
viruses that are sexually transmitted.
After gaining entry into the host, the response at a
cellular level to the viral infection varies with the type
of virus and the virulence of the strain. Thus, the
response can vary from no apparent change, to
detectable changes in the cell, known as cytopathic
effects (CPE), to loss of growth control or malignancy.
Virulence refers to the ability of a virus to cause disease
in a host.
Common diseases and disorders
Several hundred different viruses infect humans. The
viruses that occur chiefly in humans can be categorized
as respiratory, enteric, exanthematous, hepatitis, or
persistent. The most common respiratory viruses
include the rhinoviruses (the common cold) and the
influenza viruses. Common enteric viruses include
polioviruses (now rare because of vaccination),
coxsachie viruses (herpangina), and epidemic
gastroenteritis viruses such as rotaviruses. Rubeola
(measles) and rubella (German measles) are two
common exanthematous viruses.
Treatment
Most viral diseases have no cure, so treatment involves
easing symptoms and allowing the body's immune
system to eliminate the virus. Viruses are not affected
by antibiotics, which target bacteria. However, a handful
of anti-viral drugs have been developed and many more
are in the developmental and drug trial stage. In general,
the development of anti-viral drugs has been hampered
by the parasitic relationship between viruses and their
hosts. It has been difficult to find pharmacological
means to kill the virus without harming the host. The
speed of viral infection has also been a problem, as
viral numbers are so high by the time the infection has
symptoms, the drugs have little effect.
The body fights viruses by increasing its white blood
cells. If you can imagine a PACMAN video game,
that's a simple way of describing the actions of killing
viruses. As described, a virus will enter the body in a
number of ways. With the common cold or flu the
virus is air-bourne, so generally we would inhale the
virus. The virus would then occupy a cell in the body
that would usually be weak. As the virus mutates with
the cell it becomes stronger and has the ability to
multiply giving us our symptoms, i.e. running nose,
sore throat, chesty cough, etc.
The bodies' white blood cell production then kicks in
and this is where we get the PACMAN effect. The
white blood cells travel along to the affected areas
forming a mouth like opening. It then absorbs the
virus cell. The virus cell is now trapped within the White
blood cell and eventually dies. As the White Blood
cells are working hard at killing the viruses, you will
feel very tired and run down. So how do we ensure
that we are protected against viruses in the first place?
On the bright side, winter doesn't necessarily have to
equal days of colds and flu's. In fact providing your
immune system is ticking away nicely viruses are
harder to catch than you think.
If your have a poor diet, you stand a significant chance
of getting typical viruses like the common cold. So
before you reach for the medicine cabinet, get into the
kitchen and check out what's in the cupboards. It
might surprise you what potions you could concoct.
1. For ultimate winter immunity, stock up on some
staple must haves. For good defence against
winter ills, garlic is number one. The rest of its
family - like onions and leeks - are also very
valuable.
2. Zinc is another important immune booster. You’ll
find it in nuts, seeds, whole grains, red meat,
shellfish and oysters. (Not many oysters in Balsall
Heath I’d say, but just in case.) Selenium is also
in nuts, lentils, oily fish and wholemeal bread and
that too is very good for boosting your immune
system.
3. Omega 3 is found in oily fish such as Mackerel,
but if you are a vegetarian add Flax seeds to your
food. It will do the same thing.
4. For starving off colds and boosting your circulation,
fresh ginger, garlic, chilli and some curry spices
will do the job well. (I’m sure Balsall Heath will
have an endless supply!) Turmeric is actually used
by herbalists as an antiviral remedy. All of these
herbs and foods act as natural decongestants, so
are very good for catarrh. If you’re not a fan of
curries, then horseradish and black pepper will
also act as a good decongestant.
5. Soup is a must and for good reason too. It’s very
warming and a good way for getting all your
vegetables in a flavoursome way. It’s a good one
for children who have trouble with eating
vegetables. Homemade soups are the best, and
don’t forget your garlic and ginger.