Viral fever | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention



Viral fever is a common term for a set of viral infections which typically affects the body and it has various characteristics which includes high fever, burning in the eyes, headaches, body aches but sometimes it also provokes vomiting and nausea.


Usually, these viral infections and viral fever are more common in children and older people because their immunity is lower. The viral fever is not an illness, it is a symptom of some other underlying cause which is generally called a viral infection. Typically, viral infection can affect many parts of your body. It mainly includes intestines, lungs, air passages etc… Fever will occur in later stages which is a result of the infection. Usually, the high fever is the common sign of the immune system of your body fighting against the invading viruses which helps to burn them off.


Most of the people take self medications. Sometimes an infected person can take antibiotics during an intermittent high fever with chills, this is a bad idea. Because antibiotics cannot kill the viruses. They only kill the harmful bacteria. If you take antibiotics unnecessarily, which affects your stomach lining and it kills the good bacteria which causes acidity and it majorly damages your liver and kidneys.


Viral Fever symptoms


Signs and symptoms of viral fever are more similar to the flu like symptoms like body aches, headache, and fatigue. Some other signs are:


  • Fever (from 99°F to over 103°F)

  • Chills

  • Runny nose

  • Sweating

  • Cough

  • Sore throat

  • Vomiting

  • Chest congestion

  • Nasal congestion

  • Muscle aches

  • Diarrhoea

  • Burning sensation in eyes

  • Weakness

  • Dehydration

  • Loss of appetite

  • Dizziness


The above signs only last for a few days. Also, it is more important to seek immediate medical treatment if the above symptoms become serious over the period of time.


What causes Viral Fever?

One of the main infectious agents is viruses. Your body’s immune system helps to fight against the viral infections and it suddenly leads to shifts in temperature.


Some other ways of virus infects the body, they are:



1. Ingestion


If you consume foods that are contaminated by a virus then you can contract the infection.


2. Carriers


The most common carrier is mosquito bites. These insects carry the virus which will lead to dengue and malaria. Same like that, animal bites can leave you infected so that you may contract rabies.


3. Body fluids exchange


HIV and Hepatitis B diseases spread through bodily fluids. Also, these infections can be sexually transmitted.


4. Inhalation


You can get the infection by having direct contact with an infected individual who sneezes or coughs who is next to you without covering their faces.


Types of Viral Fever


Five types of Viral Fever, which includes:


1. Respiratory Viral Fever

2. Exanthematous Viral Fever

3. Viral enteritis

4. Neurologic Viral Fever

5. Hemorrhagic Viral Fever


Complications of a Viral Fever


Typically, Viral Fever happens within ten days.  But it can lead to various complications if it is untreated. Some of the complications are:


  • Secondary bacterial infections

  • Dehydration

  • Coma

  • Blood infection

  • Respiratory fever

  • Brain inflammation

  • Kidney and liver failure

  • Blood infections

  • Hallucination

  • Multiple organ failure

  • Pneumonia

  • Laryngitis


The above complications can also lead to death if you do not take prompt treatment.


Diagnosis


Typically, the signs and symptoms of both viral and bacterial infections are similar. Hence this makes diagnosing the infections challenging. Healthcare providers will check the symptoms and signs you have been facing recently. They also ask about your medical history and some other questions which helps to determine the seriousness of an illness. Your provider may also order some other tests which includes:


  • Swab tests

  • Blood tests

  • Antibody tests

  • Specific viral antigens test

  • Urine test


Doctors may test for chikungunya, dengue, and malaria. And some imaging tests like chest X-ray and CT scan can also suggest if the illness is severe.


Treatment


There is no accurate treatment for viral fever because viruses do not react to antibiotics. So, your healthcare provider will focus on ease the symptoms the patients are experiencing.


Some of the treatment options and some home remedies:


  • Lukewarm baths: take a bath in lukewarm water, it reduce the body temperature

  • Over-the-counter medications: Medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen will be taken to ease the symptoms like fever, pain, and inflammation. Aspirin should not be given to children or teens because it creates higher risk of getting serious conditions like Reye's syndrome.

  • Rest: It is vital for sick people to take complete bed rest.

  • Hydration: Taking a high amount of fluids to keep your body hydrated which prevents dehydration.

  • Warm compress: Applying a warm pack on the forehead which helps to ease the signs like headache and congestion.


Prevention


Some prevention tips for viral fever:


  • You should keep your hands clean. And wash your hands frequently and you must avoid touching contaminated surfaces. Make sure that you must clean your hands before you touch your face or eat.

  • You must avoid touching directly your mouth or your nose, particularly if you are in the company of others.

  • You must keep your utensils separate and clean as much as possible.

  • You should keep your surroundings clean and neat as much as possible.

  • And also try to avoid direct contact with the patients who are infected with viral infection.

  • Vaccinations are there to prevent various viral infections. So, consult your provider for more information.



Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. How long does a viral fever last?

Ans: Viral fevers are more acute and may last for 3-5 days.


Q2. Can we take a bath in viral fever?

Ans: When the child's body is clean and comfortable, the viral fever will be cured quickly.


Q3. Which fruit is best in fever?

Ans: Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, contain high levels of flavonoids and vitamin C. 


Q4. Why does viral fever increase at night?

Ans: When cortisol levels go down at night, your immune system is more active in fighting illness or infection.


Q5. What is the treatment for viral fever?

Ans: taking over-the-counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce a fever and its symptoms.

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