What are the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Viral Fever?

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Monsoons are around the corner, and so is viral fever. The internet is swamped with searches like ‘viral fever symptoms’ and their treatment. If you catch a viral fever every time the weather changes, this blog will help you know its causes, symptoms, viral fever treatment and do’s & don’ts.

What You Should Know About Viruses?

Viruses are microscopic germs that are active and easily transmissible during the monsoon. Viral Fever refers to a group of viral diseases that affect the body and are characterised by a high temperature, burning in the eyes, headaches, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.

Viral Fever is more prevalent among people with poor immunity. A viral infection can affect any body part, including the intestines, lungs, and airways. As a result of the infection, a fever develops. The high temperature generally indicates that the body's immune system fights and burns out viruses, causing sickness.

Causes of Viral Fever 

Infection with a virus causes a viral fever. Viruses are microscopic infectious agents. They invade and proliferate throughout your body's cells. A fever is your body's defence mechanism against a virus. Because many viruses are sensitive to temperature changes, a quick rise in your body temperature makes you less vulnerable to viruses. Several factors can cause Viral Fever, depending on the specific virus:

• It can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person, even if they are asymptomatic
• Inhaling virus-containing droplets from an infected individual can potentially spread the viral Fever. The most prevalent cause of viral fever is seasonal flu.
• Viral Fever can be spread by sharing food or drinks with someone infected.
• Viral Fever can also be caused by contaminated water.
• Bites from insects (mosquitoes and ticks) and rodents (mice) can transmit viruses that cause Viral Fever.

Symptoms of Viral Fever 

The temperature in Viral Fever may vary from 99°F to 103°F, depending on the underlying virus. 

Below are the most common symptoms that can be alarming about Viral Fever-

• Fever (which rises and falls at irregular intervals)
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle, body, and joint pain
• Inflammation of the pharynx
• Painful tonsils
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Chest congestion
• Sore throat and cough
• Burning sensation in the eyes
• Skin rashes
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

How Can You Treat Viral Fever?

Unlike bacterial infections, antibiotics are ineffective against Viral Fever.

Rather, therapy is frequently focused on relieving your symptoms. The following are examples of common treatment methods:

• Reducing fever and its symptoms using over-the-counter fever reducers.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and restore fluids lost when sweating.
• Taking a lukewarm bath can bring your body temperature down.

Also Read: Difference between viral fever and bacterial fever

Dos and Don'ts during Viral Fever

You need to take care of various things when you have a fever. We have listed a few Dos and Don'ts to help you understand better.

Dos

• Give your body sufficient rest.
• To avoid dehydration and preserve electrolyte balance, drink lots of liquids.
• To avoid pain or discomfort, take pain-relieving medicine as prescribed.
• Take nutritious, easy-to-digest, and healthy meals.
• Vitamin C, zinc, honey, and other immune boosters should be included in your diet.
• Always use a handkerchief while sneezing and coughing around people.
• Take care of your personal hygiene to avoid more infections. 

Don'ts

• Do not self-medicate without seeing a doctor, since this might have negative implications.
• Don't take antibiotics without your doctor's recommendation.
• Stay away from extremes such as cold or heat, as these make your body more sensitive and induce chills or sweating.
• If you get the chills, don't wear too many layers of clothing or blankets.
• Do not share your handkerchief, clothing, towels, food, or beverages with anyone who comes into contact with you.

From Symptoms to Solutions!

Ever since the pandemic hit, there has been a fear of getting infected. Sometimes, viral fever is mistaken for COVID-19 or vice versa due to similarity in viral fever symptoms with the pandemic. Both infections could have serious implications if not treated in time. Hence, the right diagnosis at the right time is essential. When the person is not able to stay hydrated, then the chances of getting him hospitalised increase. However, in some cases, one could also be required to rush to the hospital for immediate treatment when at risk of complications. Usually, doctors say that when a high fever persists for more than 3 days, and the patient feels difficulty breathing, stiff neck, or persistent vomiting, then hospitalisation becomes a necessity. In such cases, comprehensive health insurance comes to the rescue and backs you up financially. Health Insurance offers tailor-made health care plans to ensure nobody has to suffer without a backup. Buy your health insurance plan today, safeguard yourself and get the best viral fever treatment without any financial worries.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.