The nature of viruses

So I think I'm understanding this correctly. Normal viruses do exist in this world, such as flu and common colds. However, the cases that are described belong to a separate group of "divine viruses"?

But Radulf regularly describes his dislike for mixing the spiritual and scientific. Are the gods a known fact or just belief like our world?

I like the podcast so far, but I'm a little fuzzy on the details.