A schematic view of a virus, cut-away to show the genetic material inside. The spikes projecting from the surface represent proteins that help the virus enter a host cell where it can reproduce.

Viruses consist of a package of genetic information wrapped up in a biological capsule - almost like a letter placed inside an envelope. Molecular structures on the outside of the envelope link the virus to a host cell and help it to gain entry.

The genetic material - the message inside the envelope – is either in the form of double stranded DNA, just like the DNA in our own cells, or single stranded RNA. Influenza viruses contain 8 segments of RNA that must be converted to DNA through a process known as reverse transcription.

Several different factors are involved in viral illness and each plays an essential role.

First, for viral illness to develop there must be exposure to a viral pathogen. Some viruses are very fragile and do not easily survive in the outer environment. Fortunately, HIV, the RNA virus associated with AIDS, is quite fragile. That's one reason why casual contact with infected individuals seldom, if ever, leads to infection.

Other viruses, however, are more robust, or they may cause the body of an infected person to protect them, for example, by encapsulating them in the tiny droplets of moisture that are ejected when we cough or sneeze. Viruses protected in this way can survive for many hours in the external environment.

Influenza viruses use this encapsulation technique, which is why it's so important to avoid exposure to coughs and sneezes and to practice frequent hand washing during flu season or an outbreak. It is easy to transfer tiny amounts of the virus to our eyes, lips and mouths from surfaces where the encapsulated virus has landed – even hours before.

Depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity, viruses in the bodies of dead animals or their droppings may remain infectious for days. This may be of particular importance to hunters, bird-watchers and others who enjoy being in nature, since they may accidentally come in contact with viruses from birds or other animals infected with avian influenza.

Electron microscope image of Rhinoviruses – the viral pathogens responsible for the common cold

Viral exposure does not necessarily lead to viral illness. In a famous experiment, a large number of subjects were directly exposed to the rhinoviruses responsible for the common cold. Even though each person was given the same exposure, only a small percentage actually developed any illness.

This is because the immune system is able to detect viral threats and rapidly adapt to resist them. Under ideal conditions, the body can address the exposure before too many cells have become infected - stopping the virus in its tracks. However, many factors can interfere with these natural protections. Fatigue, stress, toxic exposures, poor diet, pre-existing infections and even subtle "sleight of hand" by other viruses and bacteria can block, confuse or misdirect the immune system. As the 19th Century biologist Louis Pasteur finally conceded about the nature of disease, "The germ is nothing. The terrain of the body is everything."

Finally, even when a viral infection establishes itself, the course of illness can be long or short, comparatively easy or difficult - even life threatening or fatal. The pathogenicity, or disease causing ability, of a particular type of virus depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is the immune system's response to the infection.

H5N1 viral inflammation of the lung.

For example, both the 1918 pandemic flu virus and the current highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu tell the immune system to create extremely powerful inflammatory responses using natural immune system chemicals called cytokines. These responses can become so exaggerated and damaging that scientists called them "cytokine storms." In a sense, it's not the virus that kills many  infected people  but their own over-stimulated immune systems.

There are many strategies for supporting the body during times of viral exposure and infection. Some antiviral drugs attempt to destroy the virus, or block its ability to reproduce within the cell. Other approaches attempt to support the parts of the immune system that are best able to naturally control viral threats. These features, which are collectively referred to as the Th1 or cell-mediated immune response, include the differentiation of white blood cells into NK (“natural killer") and "cytotoxic" T-cells.

Some natural substances support the creation of these natural virus killing cells including selected medicinal mushroom, herbs and other nutrients. However, when faced with a cytokine storm, enhancing these already over-active immune responses may, ironically, only worsen the situation. This is one reason why viral infections require serious and competent medical attention, even when potentially helpful nutritional supplements like ViraWall are being used.

ViraWall is a naturally occurring compound with scientifically demonstrated virus inhibiting properties. ViraWall's nutrient compounds have been shown to block the ability of some viruses to enter and damage cells. Deprived of access to the cell's genetic machinery, the virus cannot reproduce and spread. Rather than working to kill viruses, ViraWall helps support the body's natural integrity and resistance to some viral challenges.

Please note that this information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute or replacement for proper health and medical advice from a trained and licensed professional healthcare provider. If you are ill, or are concerned about your health, please contact an appropriate healthcare professional.