Heard on "Today on NBC"

[Dave Wilton]

There are various "cures" for viruses. Anything that blocks the infection of
cells or the viral replication once infection has occurred could be
considered a cure.

There are anti-viral medications and a vaccine administered post-exposure
can often prevent more cells within the host from being infected and
full-blown disease from developing or developing in severe form (e.g.,
smallpox vaccine can be administered post-exposure).

That said, the range of treatment options for viruses is far smaller than
for bacteria.

-----Original Message-----
From: American Dialect Society [mailto:ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf Of
Dave Hause
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2007 8:32 PM
To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: Re: Heard on "Today on NBC"

Wouldn't argue about them being nuts, but there aren't known cures for *any*
viruses.
Dave Hause, dwhause at jobe.net
Waynesville, MO
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jonathan Lighter" <wuxxmupp2000 at YAHOO.COM>

This week's _New Yorker_ has an article about bioengineers who are not only
describable as "viral spokesmen," they're now resurrecting _extinct_ killer
viruses for which there are no known cures.

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The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org