What Is A Virus? What Is A Viral Infection?

A virus (from the Latin virus meaning toxin or poison) is a microscopic organism consisting of genetic material (RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein, lipid (fat), or glycoprotein coat. Viruses are unique organisms because they cannot reproduce without a host cell. After contacting a host cell, a virus will insert genetic material into the host and take over the host"s functions. The cell, now infected, continues to reproduce, but it reproduces more viral protein and genetic material instead of its usual products. It is this process that earns viruses the classification of "parasite". How are viruses spread? Viruses may spread vertically (from mother to child) or horizontally (from person to person). A virus"s ability to spread depends on the makeup of the virus. Interesting articles What are bacteria?

Taking Positions: Some Docs, Businesses Cheer While Others Oppose Effort.

As advocacy groups with a stake in health reform take positions in the health reform debate, their battle lines don"t necessarily observe the boundaries of a given sector, industry or professional affiliation. "Business is far from unified in its lobbying efforts for health-care reform," McClatchy/Chicago Tribune reports. "The disparity dilutes its power and may contribute to a plan no faction wants -- or no plan at all." Though everyone agrees cost control is key, other details, such as whether to include an employer mandate, a public health insurance plan, or end the employer-based health insurance system all together, are up in the air.

Larry King Talks About His Diabetes For The First Time.

Broadcasting legend Larry King turns the tables to talk about himself in his new autobiography, "My Remarkable Journey," but doesn"t mention the chronic disease he"s lived with for nearly fifteen years: type 2 diabetes. In an interview with Diabetes Forecast, the consumer magazine of the American Diabetes Association, King discusses his diabetes publicly for the first time, and explains how his health, lifestyle, and personality influence one another. King suffered a heart attack and underwent bypass surgery in 1987, which inspired him to stop smoking and start a healthier routine. So when he was diagnosed with diabetes in the mid-1990s, it was a surprise. "I was already exercising. I was pretty much watching my diet," he says, "So I kind of took it as, "Now? Now I get diabetes?"" Although there was a history of diabetes in his family, it wasn"t something he"d thought much about.

California Budget Could Force Seniors To Nursing Homes, Drive Up Costs.

NPR reports that California"s $26.3 billion budget deficit is marginalizing seniors who rely on California state-provided health care and service to help them manage their lives. "One endangered program is in-home support services for more than 400,000 elderly and disabled. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting those services for all but the most severe cases, which could force many who are now independent to move into nursing homes. тЂ¦ Flora Mae King of San Bernadino turned 102 last Sunday. She lives alone in a senior apartment complex, relying on state-funded, in-home support for shopping and help around the house. Now, as California nears a decision on budget cuts to clear up a multi-billion dollar deficit, her in-home support will be cut and she will have to move into a nursing home" (Diamante, 7/19).