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A Guide to Viral Fever
Table of Contents
What is viral fever?
Most of the people have a body temperature of about 98.6°F that is 37°C. Anything a degree above this is considered a fever. Fevers are frequently a sign that the body is fighting off some type of bacterial or viral infection. Viral fever is any fever that is caused by an underlying viral illness.
A variety of viral infections can affect humans, from the common cold to the flu. A low-grade fever is a symptom of many viral infections. But some viral infections like dengue fever can cause a higher fever.
Read on to learn more about viral fevers, like common symptoms and treatment options.
What are the symptoms of Viral fever?
Viral fevers can range in the temperature from 99°F to over 103°F that is 39°C. Depending on the underlying virus.
If one has a viral fever, then one might have some of these general symptoms:
Chills
Sweating
Dehydration
Headache
Muscle aches and pains
A feeling of weakness
Loss of appetite
These symptoms are usually only last for a few days at most.
What are the causes of Viral fever?
Viral fever is caused by infection with a virus. Viruses are very small infectious components. They infect and multiply within the cells of the body. A fever is the body’s way of fighting off a virus. Many viruses are sensitive to shifts in temperature. So a sudden increase in the body temperature makes one less hospitable to viruses.
There are many ways that one can become infected with a virus, that are:
The Inhalation
If someone with a viral infection sneezes or coughs near one, then one can breathe in droplets containing the virus. Examples of viral infections from inhalation are the flu or the common cold.
The Ingestion
Food and drinks can be contaminated with viruses. If one eats them, one can develop an infection. Examples of viral infections from ingestion are norovirus and enteroviruses.
Bites
Insects and other animals can carry the viruses. If they bite one, one can develop an infection. Examples of viral infections that result from bites are dengue fever and rabies.
Bodily fluids
Exchanging bodily fluids with someone. Who has a viral infection can transfer the illness. Examples of this type of viral infection are hepatitis B and HIV.
How is a Viral fever diagnosed?
Both viral and bacterial infections frequently cause similar symptoms. To diagnose a viral fever, a doctor will likely start by ruling out a bacterial infection. They can do this by considering the symptoms and also medical history. As well as taking any samples to test for the bacteria.
If one has a sore throat, for example, they might swab the throat to test for bacteria that cause strep throat. If the sample comes back negative, then one is likely to have a viral infection.
They can also take a sample of blood. Other bodily fluids to check for particular markers that might indicate a viral infection like the white blood cell count.
How are Viral fevers treated?
In most cases, viral fevers don’t require any specific treatment. Unlike bacterial infections, they don’t respond to antibiotics.
Instead, treatment usually focuses on providing relief from the symptoms. The Common treatment methods are:
Taking over-the-counter fever reducers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. To reduce fever and its symptoms.
Resting as much as possible.
Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and also restore fluids lost while sweating
Taking antiviral medications like oseltamivir phosphate is Tamiflu. When applicable.
Sitting in a lukewarm bath to bring the body temperature down.
Should I see a doctor?
In many cases, viral fever is not anything to worry about. But if one has a fever that reaches 103°F that is 39°C or higher. It is best to call a doctor. One should also call a doctor if one has a baby with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F that is 38°C or higher. Learn more about managing fevers in babies.
If one has a fever, keep an eye out for the following symptoms. Which all indicate a need for medical treatment:
Severe headache
Difficulty in breathing
Chest pain
Abdominal pains
Frequent vomiting
A rash, especially if it quickly gets worse
A stiff neck, especially if one feels pain when bending it forward
Confusion
Convulsions or seizures
The bottom line
Viral fever refers to any fever that results from a viral infection. Like the flu or dengue fever. While most of the viral fevers resolve on their own within a day or two. But some are more severe and require more medical treatment.
If the temperature starts reading 103°F that is 39°C or higher. Then it is time to call a doctor. Otherwise, try to get as much rest as possible and always stay hydrated.
So, this is the important information on the topic of A Guide to Viral Fevers. Here I have mentioned Viral Fever and how to avoid it and also the medications that one should take while on fever.
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