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viral infection

Cultural  
  1. An infection caused by a virus. At present, viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. (Compare bacterial infection.)


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Diseases caused by viral infections include herpes, chicken pox, hepatitis, influenza, and the common cold.

Example Sentences

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But the pandemic has left some evidence that viral infection may play a role in reawakening dormant cancer cells present in a patient’s body before infection.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 15, 2026

According to Public Health Wales, hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and is usually spread through contaminated food and drink.

From BBC May 6, 2026

Today it’s a nightmare for many onboard, under the threat of viral infection.

From Barron's May 6, 2026

Correction, April 22, 2026: This piece originally misstated that citrus canker is a viral infection.

From Slate Apr. 20, 2026

“It’s a viral infection commonly known as the ‘kissing disease,’” he added.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

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