Viral Infections

Overview

Physicians at IU Health prevent viral infections from spreading through proper hand washing, sanitization of surfaces and materials, and vaccinations.

Types

Viruses cause a wide range of common and rare infections including:

• Cold & Flu
• Chickenpox
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Viral meningitis
• Warts
• Smallpox
• Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Treatment

Antibiotics fight bacteria; they do not fight viruses. Common conditions, such as ear infections, may result from a virus or bacterium. Your doctor may not prescribe an antibiotic for your viral condition in order to prevent the rise of bacterial infections that do not respond to antibiotics.

IU Health physicians’ partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine provides access to the latest research, clinical trials for treatments and preventative medicines. This includes vaccinations for shingles and yellow fever that many hospitals do not offer.
Your IU Health physicians fight viral infections through:

• Immunizations. Vaccines protect you against viruses. Vaccines use dead or weakened viruses to trigger your immune system into creating antibodies (proteins that fight diseases). Once your body produces an antibody for a specific virus or bacteria, you usually become immune to that virus and do not get sick when exposed to it. For the best protection against viral diseases, stay up to date on all vaccinations.
• Antiviral medications. Your physicians may suggest antiviral medications for some viral infections. These can have side effects such as nausea, dizziness, stuffy nose or cough and may not effectively treat all cases. Our physicians will monitor your health to ensure your medications improve your condition and do not cause harmful side effects.