Avian Influenza (H5N1, H7N9): The Bird Flu Viruses That Could Spark a Pandemic
Avian influenza, or bird flu, refers to influenza viruses that primarily infect birds but can occasionally jump to humans and other animals. While most bird flu viruses do not infect humans, some strains—like H5N1 and H7N9—have caused severe human infections with high fatality rates. The biggest concern? A mutation could allow these viruses to spread […]
SARS & MERS: The Deadly Coronaviruses Before COVID-19
Before COVID-19 dominated global headlines, two other coronaviruses—SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)—caused deadly outbreaks. While both diseases were less contagious than COVID-19, they had higher fatality rates and raised early concerns about coronaviruses jumping from animals to humans. SARS and MERS are both zoonotic coronaviruses, meaning they originally came […]
Monkeypox: The Emerging Virus You Need to Know About
Monkeypox is a viral infection that causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a painful rash. While it was once considered rare and confined to Central and West Africa, recent outbreaks have spread it worldwide. Unlike its cousin smallpox, monkeypox is less deadly, but it can still cause severe illness, scarring, and long-term complications. The 2022 […]
COVID-19: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Introduction: What is COVID-19? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. First identified in late 2019, it quickly spread worldwide, leading to a global pandemic. While most cases are mild, COVID-19 can cause severe illness, especially in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. The virus spreads easily, making prevention and […]