Brain-Computer Similarities, 4

Both brains and computers are susceptible to viruses. A computer virus or worm can slow down computer programs, corrupt files, and even kill the computer, if you will. That’s the purpose of virus-protection programs such as Norton and MacAfee that can be purchased and downloaded onto your computer. The program scans your computer regularly and isolates viruses and/or notifies you that something needs to be handled. A virus in the brain can negatively impact your ability to think, to accomplish many brain functions, and can even kill neurons or thinking cells and/or glial or supporting cells. When a virus invades and directly affects the brain or spiral cord you may have heard it referred to as Viral or Aseptic Meningitis (because no bacteria appear to be involved) of or Viral Encephalitis. Viruses that may infect the brain include: cytomegalovirus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV; Human Herpes Virus-6 or HHV-6; Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Herpes Simplex Virus 2; Zika infection; Varicella-zoster virus (VZV); Rabies virus; Poliomyelitis virus; papovaviruses, measles, and so on. More tomorrow.