Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Which medical conditions are caused by a virus?

1. Heart Disease, Diabetes

2. Common Cold, Influenza

3. Arthritis, Asthma

4. Allergies, Hypertension

The correct answer is: Common Cold, Influenza

The option that includes the common cold and influenza correctly identifies conditions caused by viruses. Both of these illnesses are primarily caused by viral infections. The common cold is most commonly caused by rhinoviruses, while influenza is caused by influenza viruses. These viruses invade respiratory tract cells, leading to the symptoms typically associated with these conditions, such as cough, nasal congestion, and fever. In contrast, heart disease and diabetes are generally linked to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors rather than being caused directly by viral infections. Similarly, arthritis and asthma are not primarily viral diseases; arthritis can be caused by autoimmune disorders or wear and tear on joints, while asthma is often triggered by allergens, irritants, and environmental factors. Allergies and hypertension also stem from non-viral mechanisms; allergies relate to immune responses to specific substances, and hypertension is influenced by various factors, including diet and stress rather than viral infections. Thus, the correct identification of viral illnesses is significant for understanding the nature of various medical conditions.