Translation guide
A disease caused by a virus. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed as ウイルス性疾患 (uirusu-sei shikkan) in medical contexts, or more generally as ウイルス感染症 (uirusu kansen-shō) for viral infections. For specific diseases, the virus name is often used directly.
Referring to a disease caused by a virus in a clinical or formal context.
Standard medical term for 'viral disease'. Used in formal or clinical settings.
This viral disease is highly contagious.
Literally 'viral infection'. Often used interchangeably with ウイルス性疾患, but emphasizes the infectious aspect.
A new viral disease is spreading.
A more general term, but less common in formal medical writing. Can be used in everyday conversation.
That viral disease is common in children.
Referring to a particular viral disease by name.
In Japanese, as in English, specific viral diseases are usually referred to by their proper names (e.g., インフルエンザ for influenza, 麻疹 for measles). This is the most natural way to talk about a known viral disease.
Influenza, a viral disease, spreads every year.
Measles is one of the viral diseases.
Talking about a viral illness in a non-specialist context.
When the specific virus is known, it's more natural to use the disease name (e.g., 風邪 for a cold, 水痘 for chickenpox) rather than the generic term.
Antibiotics don't work on viral diseases.