viral

Everyday

1. Viral means caused by a virus: «a viral infection». tree →
2. If something online goes viral, it spreads very fast as huge numbers of people share it. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons, viral illnesses such as colds and flu are caused by viruses; antibiotics do not work on them, while washing hands and vaccines help stop them spreading. In media and online safety lessons, «going viral» means a video, picture or post spreads to millions of people — which shows why you should think before posting, because you can't take it back, and why viral stories may be fake. Phrases: «go viral», «a viral video», «viral infection».

Examples

• He has a viral infection, not a bacterial one. tree →
• Antibiotics don't cure viral illnesses. tree →
• The cat video went viral. tree →
• A viral post can spread to millions in a day. tree →
• Check the facts before sharing a viral story. tree →
• Flu is a viral disease. tree →
• Once something goes viral, you can't delete it from everywhere. tree →

Note

From «virus» (plural viruses). Trap: antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. «Viral» online does not mean true — viral rumours and fake news spread fast.