Infectious Diseases
Viral Infections
Viral infections can cause serious complications and spread quickly. Our infectious disease team offers advanced care to ease your symptoms and minimize infection spread to others.
Medically reviewed by Dean Blumberg, M.D. on Sep. 06, 2023.
Advanced Care for Viral Infections
The UC Davis Health Division of Infectious Diseases earned national recognition for infection prevention and care. We treat all types of viral infections while reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.
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Our Difference
Care for the Whole Family
Viral infections can be more serious for young children and older adults. Our adult and pediatric infectious disease specialists work together to provide care for everyone in your family.
Specialized Clinic
Doctors at our Infectious Diseases Clinic provide care for residents throughout Northern California. Other doctors refer their patients to us for our expertise in treating viral infections.
Pioneering Research
Our doctors are active in infectious disease clinical research. We’re working to improve the prevention and management of viral infections.
What Are Viral Infections?
Viral infections often cause breathing (respiratory) problems or digestive illnesses. But viruses, a type of germ, can affect any part of your body. The different types of viral infections have distinct causes and symptoms. Antiviral medications are the main treatment.
Common Viral Infections
Chickenpox (Varicella)
The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox (varicella). This itchy, blister-like rash is highly contagious and tends to affect children. Adults may develop a condition called shingles (herpes zoster). Vaccines can prevent both illnesses.
Flu (Influenza)
Influenza virus types A and B cause flu. This contagious illness causes fever, body aches, cough, sore throat and congestion. Some people develop pneumonia. The flu vaccine lowers your risk.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) cause sores and skin infections. HSV-1 spreads in saliva. It causes sores on your mouth and face (oral herpes). HSV-2 (genital herpes) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The virus spreads through body fluids.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is the most common STI. It causes genital warts and increases your risk for cervical cancer and other cancers. The virus spreads through vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who’s infected. The HPV vaccine protects against this virus.
Norovirus
Norovirus infections are the top cause of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. These contagious viruses cause diarrhea and vomiting. The virus spreads through contaminated foods, drinks and surfaces, as well as contact with an infected person.
Causes and Risk Factors of Viral Infections
Viruses cause viral infections. These tiny germs get inside cells in your body, where they make copies of themselves and reproduce.
Viruses spread from one infected person to another. Some viral infections get better without treatment. Antiviral medications can ease symptoms and shorten your illness.
Certain risk factors make you more likely to get a viral infection or become severely ill.
Top risk factors include:
Age
The varicella-zoster virus causes those younger than 5 and older than 65 are more at risk for certain viral infections. (varicella). This itchy, blister-like rash is highly contagious and tends to affect children. Adults may develop a condition called shingles (herpes zoster). Vaccines can prevent both illnesses.
Health Conditions
Conditions, such as diabetes, asthma and respiratory illnesses, make you more prone to viruses and infections.
Lack of Vaccination
Infants and young children who aren’t fully vaccinated, as well as those who don’t get certain vaccines, are more likely to get certain viral infections.
Sexual Habits
Having unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners puts you at risk for herpes viruses.
Weakened Immune System
Autoimmune diseases, HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments and other illnesses and therapies can weaken your immune system. As a result, your body has a harder time fighting viruses.
"About Norovirus," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html
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Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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