Viral Fever: Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

What is Viral Fever?

Derived from the Latin term virus, meaning poison, viruses contain a single nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) core covered by a protein coat. The collective term for fever originating from different viral infections is known as viral fever. The temperature of the human body is typically around 37.1 °C. If the body’s temperature rises above this value, it indicates a fever. In some viral infections, the fever tends to be less than 100 °F and in others such as dengue fever, it tends to be greater than 100 °F. The severity of viral fever depends on two main factors; the host’s response to a viral infection and the virulence of the microorganism.

Generally, an individual experiences viral fever symptoms during seasonal changes which can last for about three to five days. However, in severe cases, the viral infection may last up to two weeks. Viral fever isn’t a disease; it is a sign of a viral infection that persists in the body. Individuals with a weak immune system, older people and kids are more prone to viral fevers.

Humans can be infected with a variety of viral infections, ranging from flu to the common cold. A fever indicates that the body is combating an infection. It can be defined as a fever caused due to an underlying viral illness. Read the article to know more about the types, causes of viral infection, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of viral fever.

Types of Viral Fever

There are several types of viral infections, primarily determined by the affected body site including:

Upper respiratory infections: This type of viral infection encompasses common cold and sore throat.
Gastrointestinal tract infections: A gastrointestinal tract infection such as gastroenteritis, affects the body’s digestive system.
Hepatitis: It encompasses the viral infections caused by hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D & E).
Neurological infections: Conditions like meningitis and encephalitis fall under this category and impact the body’s nervous system.
Dermal infections: Viruses can induce skin-related problems such as warts. Other viruses that affect the human body can manifest as skin issues such as rashes from chickenpox.
Infections of the foetus and placenta: Some viruses, notably zika virus, rubella virus, and cytomegalovirus can potentially infect the placenta and affect the development of the foetus in pregnant women.

Causes of Viral Fever

Understanding the causes of fever can help better manage health and take precautions. Here are a few commonplace causes of viral fever:

Inhalation: If an individual with a viral infection sneezes or coughs near you, you are likely to breathe in the droplets containing the virus. Two common examples of viral infections caused due to inhalation are the common cold and flu.
Ingestion: Consuming food and beverages contaminated with viruses and can lead to a viral infection.
Bites: Insects and animals can also carry viruses. Some viral infections caused by bites include rabies and dengue fever. The table below depicts the names of the viruses and the diseases they cause in humans.

Note: Dengue is the most common viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Other viral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes include chikungunya fever, yellow fever, and Zika virus.

Exchange of body fluids: Exchange of body fluids with an infected individual can lead to viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis B.

Viruses and Diseases in Humans

Viruses	Diseases in Humans
Adenoviruses	Pneumonia, Bronchitis
Parvoviruses	Arthritis
Herpesviruses	Chickenpox, Herpes
Coronaviruses	COVID-19, SARS
Orthomyxoviruses	Influenza
Hepadnaviruses	Hepatitis
Rhabdoviruses	Rabies
Retroviruses	AIDS

Common Viral Infection Symptoms

A viral fever manifests as a cluster of symptoms that vary in severity. Common viral fever symptoms include:

Fever: Viral fever is an elevated body temperature (mild to severe), accompanied by sweating (perspiration) and fever chills.
Fatigue and weakness: An individual suffering from viral fever experiences exhaustion and weakness, which might interfere with daily life activities.
Body aches: Headaches, joint and muscle pain (myalgia) are prevalent during a viral fever.
Sore throat and cough: Several viral infections cause irritation and pain in the throat combined with a persistent cough.
Nasal congestion or runny nose (rhinorrhea): Sneezing, runny nose, or nasal congestion are frequent viral fever symptoms, particularly in respiratory infections.
Gastrointestinal symptoms: Some viral fevers can induce gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.

Other Viral Fever Symptoms

Dehydration
Chest congestion
Loss of Appetite
Facial swelling
Redness/burning in the eyes
Dizziness

Viral Fever Treatment

When it comes to viral fever treatment, a key point to keep in mind is that as opposed to bacterial infections, antibiotics are ineffective against viral fever. There is no specific treatment for viral infections, and care is often based on symptom management. If you are considering viral fever treatment at home, consider the following points:

Drugs like paracetamol are commonly used medicines for the management of viral fever. They help lower body temperature and ease body aches and pains.
A diet rich in fluids aids in the prevention of dehydration.
Antiviral treatment can be helpful, as and when advised by a doctor.
Lukewarm showers help ease muscle soreness and discomfort.

Home remedies for viral fever like coriander tea, lemon, basil, and raw honey relieve inflammation and aid the treatment of viral fever.

Do’s and Don’ts of Viral Fever

Do’s	Don’ts
Take medication for viral fever as prescribed by a doctor. Book an appointment at the best fever hospital in Gurgaon for effective management.	Avoid self-medicating, as fever can also result from a bacterial infection, which requires a different type of medication/ treatment.
Get enough rest to help the body recover from the infection.	Don’t engage in tiring or demanding activities.
Consume light, nutrient-rich foods that are easy to digest and stay hydrated.	Don’t starve yourself as this can weaken the immune system. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as it can lead to dehydration.
While coughing or sneezing, remember to fully cover your mouth and nose.	If you feel unwell, avoid sharing personal items such as towels, handkerchiefs, and utensils.
Keep your body temperature cool by regularly applying a cloth dipped in lukewarm water to your forehead.	Avoid wearing multiple layers of clothing.

Prevention of Viral Fever

Given the unpredictability of viral infections, here are a few tips to prevent viral fever:

Maintaining proper hygiene by regularly sanitising or washing hands, avoiding touching your face, and not sharing food and drinks to prevent the spread of the virus.
Eat a nutritious diet and include nutritional supplements to your diet to combat viral illnesses and strengthen the immune system.
Using insect repellents and mosquito nets helps avoid viral infections like malaria, dengue, and other ailments.
Prioritise eight to nine hours of quality sleep and engage in moderate exercise to enhance overall immunity.
Avoid visiting crowded places at the time of outbreaks and minimise contact with infected individuals.

When to See a Doctor?

It’s important to see a doctor if the fever of 39 °C (103 °F) or higher persists for more than three to four days. People with asthma may experience worsened respiratory symptoms during a viral fever. Ongoing diarrhoea or vomiting during a viral fever can also be a cause of concern. It can lead to dehydration, dizziness and extreme fatigue. Seeking timely help can prevent such complications.

FAQs

1. How long can a viral fever last?

A viral fever can last for approximately three to seven days. However, the length of the time depends on the type of virus and how the body responds to it. In a few cases, the symptoms may last for over a week.