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Viruses: What Are They?

We have all heard of a virus and had some type of virus in our lifetime, but what exactly is it? A virus attacks when the host’s immune system is weakened. There are multiple symptoms of a virus but overall a virus is accompanied by headaches, fevers, and body aches. 


Breakdown Of A Virus 


A virus is a thousand times smaller than bacteria. It is so small that a microscope can not observe it. A virus is not alive but becomes “alive” and out of its dormant state when they insert themselves into living tissues. This is how they are able to reproduce. The key factor setting a virus apart from bacteria is that a virus has either DNA or RNA, but not both. This is the reason they are unable to grow if not attached to another living tissue. However, bacterias are able to eat, grow, and reproduce all on their own. 


Once inside a cell, the virus quickly takes over and begins to make copies of itself and new viral proteins. Eventually, the virus breaks free by bursting out of the host cell and going to infect other cells, spreading itself when the immune system is not as strong. Using this method of attack, a virus can spread quickly throughout the body. 


Example Of A Virus


Herpes-1 Virus is the virus responsible for cold sores. This virus is usually contracted during adolescence and given to a child from a family member by a social kiss. Since many are infected during childhood, by the time they are adults they no longer see it as a medical issue. 


Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) virus is also a member of the herpes family and most people are infected with EBV during some point in their lives. In order to contract EBV, intimate contact through the salvia of an infected person is required. When infected, the commonly associated symptoms are fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and fatigue. 


Treatment 


The removal of a virus is extremely difficult. There are prescription medications to help relieve symptoms but no medication has been 100% effective. However, there is a natural agent with studies performed that show effective treatment. Monolaurin is an anti-viral agent that is found naturally in breast-milk. This agent can also be found in amniotic fluid, heavy cream, and coconut oil. The power behind monolaurin is its ability to dissolve the protective membrane of the virus and destroy the main defense a virus has. Monolaurin also binds to a virus to inhibit the virus from attaching to a host cell. 


Viruses are tricky because they can spread so fast! Considering that they attack most when the immune system is weak, it is important that we do everything we can to keep our immune systems strong and able to fight. This includes washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your nose, eyes, and mouth, and eating a healthy diet full of vegetables, phytonutrients, and lean proteins to fuel the body’s cells and resist inflammation. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health coach  


References 


Grisanti, Ronald. “Interpretation and Treatment: Viral Screening .” Functional Medicine University . 2020, www. functionalmedicineuniversity.com/members/467 .cfm .


 


The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900

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The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to contact us. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*