1.1. RNA Viruses. Human diseases causing RNA viruses include Orthomyxoviruses, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Ebola disease, SARS, influenza, polio measles and retrovirus including adult Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Once again, the scientific view changed: viruses may be complex biochemical particles but they are not alive. Viruses depend on the host cell for the raw materials and energy necessary for nucleic acid and protein synthesis, as well as all other biochemical activities that allow the virus to multiply and spread.

Living things use energy. Outside of a host cell, viruses do not use any energy. They only become active when they come into contact with a host cell. Because they do not use their own energy, some scientists do not consider them alive.

RNA viruses generally have very high mutation rates compared to DNA viruses, because viral RNA polymerases lack the proofreading ability of DNA polymerases. The genetic diversity of RNA viruses is one reason why it is difficult to make effective vaccines against them.

See “A speed–fidelity trade-off determines the mutation rate and virulence of an RNA virus” in volume 16, e2006459. RNA viruses have high mutation rates—up to a million times higher than their hosts—and these high rates are correlated with enhanced virulence and evolvability, traits considered beneficial for viruses.

The pace of evolution The RNA polymerase that copies the virus’s genes generally lacks proofreading skills, which makes RNA viruses prone to high mutation rates—up to a million times greater than the DNA-containing cells of their hosts.

Many of these diseases can be prevented by the use of viral vaccines, which stimulate protective immunity against the virus without causing major disease. Viral vaccines may also be used in active viral infections, boosting the ability of the immune system to control or destroy the virus.

RNA viruses have higher probabilities to infect new host species because of their exceptionally shorter generation times and their faster evolutionary rates. The rapid evolutionary rates of RNA viruses build from frequent error-prone replication cycles (Holmes 2009).

But you can find relief faster with these smart moves.

1. Take it easy. When you’re sick, your body works hard to fight off that infection.
2. Go to bed. Curling up on the couch helps, but don’t stay up late watching TV.
3. Drink up.
4. Gargle with salt water.
5. Sip a hot beverage.
6. Have a spoonful of honey.