Viral Diseases Viruses affecting human health are on the rise across the globe. New strains of deadly viruses have emerged and spread across the globe. From the SARS coronavirus outbreak in 2003 to the COVID-19 pandemic and now mpox, the world has been grappling with one viral disease or the other. Who is to blame? According to experts, our changing habits play a key role in enabling viruses to spread more rapidly than a few decades ago. With increasing global travel, someone can come in contact with a virus one day and bring it back to their city the next. Cities are becoming more densely populated, and we often gather in large crowds which further increases the spread of viruses.

We spoke to health experts, who told us that genetic testing Can help in timely detection of new viral diseases. Dr. Gunisha Pasricha, Chief Scientist and Infectious Disease Specialist at MedGenome, explains that viral diseases have a huge impact on human health worldwide. “In the evolving landscape of infectious diseases, genetic analysis is important for identifying and managing new viral infections. Changing weather conditions can create a favorable environment for the spread of previously less common viruses. For example, warmer temperatures may increase the transmission period for some viruses or enable new strains to thrive,” she said.

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the world, taking millions of lives, overwhelming public health systems and creating social and economic crises. RT-PCR and whole genome sequencing of SARS CoV2 played a key role in containing the disease. Genetic testing provides a powerful tool to address these challenges, enabling early detection, accurate diagnosis and effective management of emerging viral threats.

Genetic testing helps identify viral DNA or RNA in patient samples, even before symptoms appear, making it possible to intervene in time. This early identification is crucial to prevent widespread outbreaks and begin treatment promptly.

Dr. Gunisha said, “Genetic tests like multiplex RT-PCR help doctors make accurate diagnoses by differentiating between closely related viruses that may cause similar symptoms. This accuracy ensures that patients receive appropriate treatment and helps avoid misdiagnosis, which is especially important when new viral strains appear. Advanced sequencing technology identifies new viral pathogens by analyzing genetic material and detecting new viruses or mutations that traditional diagnostic methods may overlook.”

He further added, “Genetic testing, such as whole genome sequencing of the virus, also helps us understand how viruses change and how these changes may impact treatment and vaccine development. Scientists can understand how viruses evolve by analysing viral genomes from different cases. This information is essential for adapting public health strategies and ensuring that treatments and vaccines remain effective against changing viral threats.”

Understanding the causes of these outbreaks, the importance of strong immunity and access to timely diagnosis play a key role in managing and preventing widespread infections, explains Dr Sandeep S Reddy, consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital.

He said, “As we rebuild our lives after recovering from the disasters of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is pertinent to acknowledge that such viral outbreaks have become a global concern in recent years, affecting our communities and overwhelming healthcare systems. These outbreaks are often triggered by a variety of factors, including environmental changes such as urbanisation/deforestation, poor hygiene practices, crowded living conditions, extensive global travel, and increased human-animal contact, which facilitate rapid transmission of viruses. Climate change also plays a role by altering the habitats of vectors such as mosquitoes, leading to the emergence of new viral diseases and the re-emergence of old vector-borne diseases.”

How to fight a viral infection?

According to experts, building and maintaining a strong immune system is vital in our fight against viral infections. A healthy immune system can recognise and eliminate pathogens more effectively, reducing the severity of illnesses.

Vaccination plays a vital role in building immunity, providing protection against specific viruses and contributing to herd immunity. This collective measure of a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management and age-appropriate vaccination is essential to reduce overall infection rates and protect our vulnerable populations.

Dr Sandeep added, “Early recognition of symptoms can lead to timely medical intervention and through the use of point-of-care rapid diagnostics such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, antigen-antibody detection tests are important steps. Being informed about the infections currently prevalent in our communities can also aid in early diagnosis and treatment.”

Get the latest news on Times Now as well as breaking news and top headlines from across health and the world.