Some viruses remain present in the body for a long time without clear symptoms. Viruses such as cytomegalovirus and other herpes viruses can gradually weaken the immune system. This leads to premature ageing of the immune system and persistent inflammatory responses in the body. Such inflammation plays a role in the development of age-related diseases.
Research shows that these silent infections contribute to the accelerated ageing process. However, fighting these viruses is difficult because they often remain hidden in the body. The available antiviral drugs are not yet strong enough to completely eradicate these infections. Even so, some studies indicate that these treatments can help to reduce the risk of illness at a later age.
When effective drugs arrive that can completely eliminate these viruses, this may in time make clear how important it is to combat these infections. This could potentially lead to a healthier old age, because the immune system deteriorates less rapidly. For now, it remains a challenge to tackle these kinds of infections in a timely and adequate manner.
It is important to understand that asymptomatic or silent viral infections can affect health in older age. A strong resistance and good care for the immune system therefore remain essential for healthy ageing.
Source: Reason
