Virologist

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

A virologist is a specialist in the study of the smallest intracellular parasites - viruses that cause various diseases in humans, animals and plants. A medical virologist specializes in the study of viruses that cause diseases in humans (pathogenic viruses), the study of their infectious characteristics and properties, develops methods for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases caused by them.

It is almost impossible to imagine modern medicine without all the achievements that have been achieved by virologists. Indeed, among these achievements is the creation of vaccines, medicines intended for the prevention and treatment of various infectious diseases. Thanks to the work of virologists, it was possible to completely defeat such a terrible disease as smallpox, which in the last century claimed thousands of lives every year, and made many people disabled.

In what cases is a virologist's consultation needed?

With any ailments, patients usually turn initially to a therapist or pediatrician. But in some cases, if the viral nature of the disease is suspected, the patient is referred for a consultation with a virologist, who conducts a more in-depth examination of the patient, makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment.

What complaints do they come to see a virologist with?

Often, patients themselves may suspect the onset of a viral disease. If the following symptoms appear, you should make an appointment with a virologist:

Fever onset;
Various types of rashes on the mucous membranes and skin;
Severe headaches;
Severe radicular or muscle pain;
Insomnia;
Gastrointestinal disorders;
Depression, or vice versa, excessive excitement;
Dry mouth;
Soreness in the area of the lymph nodes;
Yellowness of the skin and sclera.

During the appointment, the virologist will collect an anamnesis (history) of life and the development of the disease, examine the patient, prescribe the necessary tests, including virological research methods.

It is especially important to come for a consultation with a virologist if you were vacationing in any exotic country, and upon arriving home found one or more of the symptoms listed above. It is possible that while on vacation, you may have contracted an infectious disease. Do not waste time on self-diagnosis and self-medication. Only a virologist, having carried out the necessary examination, will be able to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe a full-fledged effective treatment.

Remember that in tropical countries you can get infected with some deadly viral diseases, which do not begin to appear immediately, but after some time. Many of them, in particular hemorrhagic fevers, begin as a common cold or flu, later these symptoms are joined by a hemorrhagic symptom manifested by the occurrence of bleeding, which leads to death. Only an experienced virologist can diagnose such diseases, make the correct, and most importantly, timely diagnosis, prescribe a course of treatment. If necessary, a virologist can create a serum designed to treat fevers.