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Viral Fever: Overview
Viral fever is most common during monsoons and is caused due to viral infections. Viruses are icroscopic germs that can quickly transmit from one person to another.
Due to a lack of awareness, viral fever is sometimes misdiagnosed until it has progressed to the later stages. In addition, self-medicating with antibiotics to lower a high body temperature raises the risk of problems. As a result, early detection of viral fever is critical.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat is Viral Fever
Acute viral infections caused by seasonal changes and environmental infections are referred to as viral fever. The most common symptom is a rise in normal body temperature, which can affect people of all ages during the monsoon.
Symptoms of Viral Fever
Viral fever covers various infections, such as:
- High fever
- Eye burning
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Nausea or vomiting
Other symptoms include runny nose, coughing, nausea, fatigue, and body aches. Supportive therapies like cold compresses and over-the-counter drugs can help manage symptoms.
Additional Symptoms of Viral Fever
People may experience these viral fever symptoms:
- Muscle and joint pains
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Running nose
- High body temperature, up to 104 degrees
- Swelling in face
- Dehydration
- Occasional chills
- Eye redness
- Skin rash
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Book an AppointmentCauses of Viral Fever
- Viruses are very small infectious agents. They invade and multiply throughout your body's cells.
- Various viruses, including cold and flu viruses, can cause viral sickness.
- Food and drinks may be contaminated with deadly viruses. Swallowing contaminated food can lead to viral infections, such as norovirus and enterovirus.
- Viruses carried out by insects or animals can cause viral infections like fever and rabies.
- Exchanging bodily fluids with a person who has a viral infection can cause hepatitis B and HIV.
- Due to low immunity, babies and children are at a high risk of getting infected with viral infections.
- Elderly people are more prone to viral infections as they have very weak immune systems.
- Getting in contact with the contaminated area can lead to viral infections.
Diagnose for Viral Fever
It's hard to know if it's a viral fever just by looking at symptoms. Here are the list of tests done to find the viral fever.
- Blood tests: Doctors may order blood tests to check for other problems. These tests can show if a bacterial infection is causing the symptoms.
- Throat swab: If you have a sore throat, they might swab it to check for strep throat bacteria. If it's negative, it's likely a virus.
- Sample collection: Doctors can take samples of blood or other fluids to look for signs of a viral infection, like your white blood cell count.
- Identifying the virus: Doctors may ask for samples of blood, sputum (phlegm), or urine to identify the virus causing the illness. This helps diagnose diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, typhoid, etc.
Treatment Options for Viral Fever
Treatment for viral fever depends on its severity. Doctors give drugs to ease symptoms and lower temperature. Self-medication can worsen issues, so always consult a doctor.
- Mild infections : Few antibiotics treat viral infections. Pain relievers like Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen, and NSAIDs are used. Based on your medical history, antibiotics might be given to prevent secondary infections.
- Serious infections: These can lead to severe symptoms like delirium, seizures, coma, blood infection, multi-organ failure, and high fever. A temperature over 103°F may need urgent care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Bathing in freezing water or applying it to the skin doesn't help. Lukewarm water baths are better. High body temperature can lead to seizures and hallucinations.
How to Prevent Viral Fever?
An infected person can spread viral infections by sneezing, breathing, and touching surfaces. By limiting your exposure to infectious diseases, you can avoid getting a fever.
Here are some tips that may be useful:
- Frequently washing your hands
- Teach your children how to wash their hands
- Sanitise your hand
- Avoid directly touching your nose and mouth
- Avoid sharing your cups or utensils with others
Higher temperatures slow viral development compared to normal and mild temperatures. As a result, try to eat food while it is still warm. To prevent the risk of infection, change your clothes promptly after a visit to the hospital, whether for a checkup or to meet a patient.
Do’s & Don’ts During Viral Fever
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Rest: Allow your body to relax so medicines can work and your immune system can recover. | Avoid Self-Medication: Don't take medications without proper understanding or diagnosis. |
| Finish Medication: Complete your prescribed course of medication to treat the infection fully. | Don't Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing items like handkerchiefs or meals to lower infection risk. |
| Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. | Use Antibiotics Wisely: Only take antibiotics if prescribed by a doctor. |
| Eat Light: Opt for lighter, easily digestible meals. | Maintain Normal Surroundings: Keep room temperature normal; avoid heavy clothes or blankets even if you feel chills. |
Frequently Asked Questions
A virus causes a higher-than-normal body temperature, which is known as viral fever. Some of the symptoms that a person may suffer are a runny nose, coughing, nausea, exhaustion, and body aches.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. Medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help alleviate symptoms. Antiviral medications like acyclovir and famciclovir may be prescribed for specific viral infections. Always consult with your physician before taking any medications.
Viral fevers can last anywhere from two to three days to as long as two weeks. A fever caused by a bacterial infection may last until the individual receives antibiotic treatment.
Preventive measures include washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick people, and getting vaccinated if available.
Viral fevers are caused by viruses and usually resolve on their own, while bacterial fevers require antibiotics for treatment.
Adults and children may experience similar symptoms with viral fever, but children may be more prone to complications like febrile seizures.
Viral fever weakens the immune system temporarily, making the body more susceptible to other infections.
Yes, adequate rest helps the body recover faster from viral fever and prevents complications.
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