Viral fever is a rise in your body temperature in response to a viral infection. A normal body temperature is 36.1–37.2°C. When the temperature is 38°C or higher, you have a fever.
Now, a fever isn’t always caused by a viral infection, which is why persistent fever, which occurs alongside other unusual symptoms, must be evaluated by a general physician in Navi Mumbai. Let’s learn more about viral fever causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Viral Fever Causes and Symptoms
Fever itself isn’t an illness but your immune system’s response to a virus or other germs. Viral infections can spread differently, depending on the type of virus. Here are the types of viral infections and how they are contracted.
1. Respiratory Viral Infections:
These can cause nasal congestion, cough, fever, sore throat, and body aches. They spread when you come in close contact with someone who has the infection. For example, when an infected person breathes, talks, sneezes, or coughs near you, you might contract the infection.
2. Dengue and Chikungunya:
These viral infections are spread by infected mosquitoes. Dengue can cause high fever with severe headaches and joint pain, along with a rash. Chikungunya might also cause joint pain and fever, followed by a rash. Joint pain can last for several months after the infection is resolved.
3. Stomach Flu:
Certain viruses can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with low-grade fever, headaches, and muscle aches. It’s mostly caused by Norovirus or Rotavirus.
Symptoms of Viral Infections
Symptoms of a viral infection can vary depending on the type of viral infection and what it affects. Common symptoms include:
- A rising body temperature and chills
- Muscle aches, joint pain, and headaches
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, and runny nose
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- A rash
Treatment for Viral Fever
Most viral infections run their course over a few days and get resolved without medical intervention. Other infections, especially if symptoms are persistent or get worse, may require a visit to the multispecialty hospital in Navi Mumbai.
Fever Medicines: Paracetamol can help bring the fever down and reduce muscle aches and headaches. However, do not take it without consulting a general physician first. Avoid aspirin if you have dengue, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Stay Hydrated: If your fever is accompanied by loose stools and vomiting, dehydration is a major risk. To replace the fluid loss, you must drink adequate water. Take small sips, have soups or water-rich fruits, and take ORS if your doctor says it’s safe.
Get Rest: Do not indulge in heavy physical activities or jobs with long working hours. Your body needs rest during a viral fever. Keep the room temperature comfortable, wear light-weight clothes, and get adequate rest to manage muscle aches and headaches.
Avoid Self-Treatment: While paracetamol is usually considered safe, other medicines, especially antibiotics, must be strictly avoided for viral infections unless you develop a secondary bacterial infection. You must consult a healthcare expert before taking antibiotics.