What is viral fever?
By understanding what viral fever is, you can deal with its occurrence in a better and more holistic manner. If your body temperature exceeds 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the normal body temperature is called a fever.
When your body is fighting a virus or bacteria, it is common to have a fever. If this fever is due to a viral infection, it is known as viral fever.
Symptoms of viral fever: Although the most common symptom is fever, the best way to identify a viral infection is if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
However, with fever alone you can determine the severity of the infection as the body can register a temperature range of 99F to 103F.
Apart from this, here are other viral fever symptoms to watch out for.
- Muscle aches
- loss of appetite
- sweat
- cold
- headache
- Weakness
- Dehydration
Causes of viral fever: As mentioned, a viral fever occurs when the body is infected by a virus. Viruses are infectious agents and they multiply within the cells of your body. Many viruses are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and fever does just that.
However, this is not always the case as not every person develops a fever when infected. A fever is the body’s way of fighting infection and is usually the first symptom that indicates that treatment may be needed. Additionally, there are many ways that a virus can infect your body. Here are a few common weaknesses to note.
- Animals and insects can carry a virus and their bites can infect you. Common infections that are transmitted this way are rabies and dengue fever.
- Ingestion: The drinks and food you consume may be contaminated with the virus and as a result, you may become infected. Noroviruses and enteroviruses are common examples of transmission through ingestion.
- Inhalation: Viruses can also be transmitted in contaminated environments. For example, if an infected person sneezes next to you, you may breathe in virus-laden droplets that can cause infection. This is how viral infections like the flu or the common cold are spread.
- Body fluids: Exchanging bodily fluids with a carrier is also another way of contracting the virus. HIV and hepatitis B are common examples of infections you can get through bodily fluids. Further reading: Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
Treatment of viral fever: Generally, treatment for viral fever is based on the severity and type of infection. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics, which is why there is no specific viral fever medicine.
This is what makes this type of infection fatal and doctors usually focus on the symptoms experienced by the patient. Here are some common treatments for viral fever.
- Over-the-counter fever medicine: Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are medications you can use to reduce fever.
- Warm bath: The goal here is to lower the body temperature as much as possible without stressing the body.
- Rehydration: Viral fever dehydrates the body and keeping fluid levels under control is key to recovery. This is why solutions rich in electrolytes are best recommended for treatment.
An important point to note is that you should never self-medicate for a viral fever or infection. This can worsen the condition and cause irreversible damage to your body, especially with antibiotics for fever.
Tips for preventing viral fever: Preventing infection, especially from viruses, should be your priority as it can adversely affect your health in the long run.
To prevent this, here are some exercises you can do to give yourself the best chance of staying healthy.
- Maintain personal hygiene and avoid infectious environments
- Get an annual flu shot
- Do not share personal items like handkerchiefs with others
- Sanitize or clean yourself thoroughly after visiting any medical care facility
Source: https://www.bajajfinservhealth.in/bn/articles/viral-fever-symptoms