A viral fever is caused by a viral infection and results in a raised body temperature. Viruses spread easily between people through coughs, sneezes or other contact with bodily fluids. Common symptoms of a viral fever include fever, chills, sweating, headaches and body aches. While antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, treatment focuses on reducing fever and relieving symptoms. Most viral fevers will resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks through rest and increased fluid intake.
A viral feveris any fever that happens as a result of
a viral infection. Viruses are tiny germs that spread easily from person to
person. Unlike bacterial infections, viral illnesses don't respond to antibiotics.
Instead, most simply have to run their course.
Most people have a body temperature of about 98.6°F (37°C). Anything a
degree above this is considered a fever. Fevers are often a sign that your body
is fighting off some type of bacterial or viral infection. A viral fever is any
fever that’s 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, such as dengue fever, can cause a higher fever.
3.
Symptoms of aViral Fever
Viral fevers can range in temperature from 99°F to over 103°F (39°C),
depending on the underlying virus.
If you have a viral fever, you might have some of these general symptoms:
 chills
 sweating
 dehydration
 headache
 muscle aches and pains
 a feeling of weakness
 loss of appetite
4.
Causes:
 Viruses arevery tiny germs. They are made of genetic material inside of a
protein coating. Viruses cause familiar infectious diseases such as the
common cold, flu and warts. They also cause severe illnesses such
as HIV/AIDS, smallpox, and Ebola.
 A viral fever is caused by infection with a virus. Viruses are very small
infectious agents. They infect and multiply within the cells of your body. A
fever is your body’s way of fighting off a virus. Many viruses are sensitive
to shifts in temperature, so a sudden increase in your body temperature
makes you less hospitable to viruses.
 There are many ways that you can become infected with a virus, including:
5.
Causes:
 Inhalation. Ifsomeone with a viral infection sneezes or coughs near you,
you can breathe in droplets containing the virus. Examples of viral
infections from inhalation include the flu or common cold.
 Ingestion. Food and drinks can be contaminated with viruses. If you eat
them, you can develop an infection. Examples of viral infections from
ingestion include norovirus and enteroviruses.
 Bites. Insects and other animals can carry viruses. If they bite you, you can
develop an infection. Examples of viral infections that result from bites
include 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
include hepatitis B and HIV.
6.
How is aviral fever diagnosed?
 Both viral and bacterial infections often 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 your symptoms and medical
history, as well as taking any samples to test for bacteria.
 If you have a sore throat, for example, they might swab your throat to test
for bacteria that causes strep throat. If the sample comes back negative, you
likely have a viral infection.
 They can also take a sample of blood or other bodily fluid to check for
certain markers that might indicate a viral infection, such as your white
blood cell count.
7.
How are viralfevers 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 your symptoms.
Common treatment methods include:
 taking over-the-counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen,
to reduce a fever and its symptoms
 resting as much as possible
 drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and replenish fluids lost while
sweating
 taking antiviral medications, such as Oseltamivir Phosphate, when
applicable
 sitting in a lukewarm bath to bring your body temperature down
8.
Is Antibiotic GoodFor Viral Fever?
 Depending on the cause of your fever, your doctor may prescribe
an antibiotic, especially if he or she suspects a bacterial infection, such as
pneumonia or strep throat. Antibiotics don't treat viral infections, but there
are a few antiviral drugs used to treat certain viral infections.
 The drugs used for viral infection are Acyclovir, Famcyclovir, and
Valacyclovir are effective against herpes virus, including herpes zoster and
herpes genitalis. Drugs used for treatment for viral fever are Acetaminophen
, Ibuprofen.
9.
How many daysit will take to recover from
viral fever?
 The type of infection causing the fever usually determines how
often the fever recurs and how long the fever lasts. Fevers due to
viruses can last for as little as two to three days and sometime as
long as two weeks. A fever caused by a bacterial infection may
continue until the child is treated with an antibiotic.
10.
What food toeat during fever?
 Chicken Soup. Chicken soup has been recommended as a remedy for the
common cold for hundreds of years — and for good reason (1). ...
 Broths. Similar to chicken soup, broths are excellent sources of hydration
while you're sick. ...
 Garlic. ...
 Coconut Water. ...
 Hot Tea. ...
 Honey. ...
 Ginger. ...
 Spicy Foods.
11.
Home Remedies forViral Fever
 Turmeric and dried ginger Powder. Anti-oxidant properties in ginger help to
fix the viral fever. ...
 Basil. Basil contains antibiotic and antiviral properties which eliminate the
virus inside the body. ...
 Coriander Tea. ...
 Fenugreek water. ...
 Lemon and honey.