Viral fever is a term used to describe a group of viral infections that affect the body and are characterized by high fever, burning eyes, headaches, body aches, nausea, and vomiting.

Because their immunity is poorer, viral fever is more common among youngsters and the elderly. Fever is not an illness in and of itself; it is a symptom of a viral infection, which is the underlying cause. Any part of the body can be infected with a virus, including the intestines, lungs, and airways. A fever will develop as a result of the infection. A high fever typically indicates that the body's immune system is fighting and "burning off" invading pathogens.

When they have an intermittent high fever with chills, many people self-medicate, sometimes even taking antibiotics, which is a bad idea. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. They get rid of dangerous germs. If you take antibiotics too frequently, they can harm your stomach lining, kill good gut flora, cause acidity, and damage your liver and kidneys.

If you have a fever of more than 103 F/40 C and it does not seem to be going away, see your family doctor or a general practitioner.

What are the symptoms of viral fever?

Viral fevers can range in temperature from 99°F to over 103°F (39°C) depending on the underlying virus.

If you have viral fever, you may experience the following symptoms:

Occasional chills

Body temperature can reach 103°F.

Dehydration

Headache

Muscle and joint discomfort

Weakness

Appetite suppression

These symptoms normally only last a few days.

What is the cause of viral fever?

A viral fever is caused by virus infection. Viruses are extremely small infectious agents. They infiltrate and multiply in the cells of your body. A fever is your body's natural defence against a virus. Because many viruses are temperature sensitive, a rapid rise in your body temperature makes you less virus-friendly.

A virus can infect you in a variety of ways, including:

Viral fever can be transmitted from person to person through close contact with the host (the person infected with the virus) or a carrier (the one who might not have the symptoms of the viral fever but is carrying the virus).

Inhaling virus-containing droplets from an infected individual can also spread the viral fever. Seasonal flu is the most common cause of viral fever.

Sharing food or beverages with someone who is infected with a virus has the potential to spread the virus.

Contaminated water can also cause viral fever, especially in children.

Viral fever can also be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person's bodily fluids.

Insect bites, such as mosquito or tick bites, can transmit the virus that causes viral fever to humans. Dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika, and Chikungunya are some viral fevers caused by insect bites.

Blood exchange with an infected person during drug use may result in viral fever.

How is viral fever identified?

Symptoms of viral fever and bacterial infections are often similar. Before diagnosing a viral fever, a doctor will most likely rule out a bacterial infection. They can do so by examining your symptoms and medical history, as well as collecting any samples for bacteria testing. If you have a sore throat, they may swab it to check for bacteria that cause strep throat. If the results of the tests come back negative, you are most likely infected with a virus. They can also take a blood sample or other bodily fluid to look for signs of a viral infection, such as your white blood cell count.

What is the treatment for a viral fever?

The type of virus and the severity of the symptoms influence viral fever treatment. Doctors usually try to prescribe paracetamol or ibuprofen for low-grade viral fever. Warm baths and electrolyte drinks can also assist with muscle aches, exhaustion, and diarrhoea.

To alleviate the discomfort of high-grade fever, your doctor may advise you to take paracetamol at a higher dose more frequently (every 4-6 hours). You should not discontinue your medications without first consulting with your doctor. For critically ill patients, paracetamol can be administered intravenously to reduce their fever and bring it closer to normal.

Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor to prevent secondary bacterial infections; however, they must be taken exactly as directed in terms of dose, frequency, and duration.

To alleviate symptoms, people frequently self-medicate with over-the-counter (OTC) viral fever medications. Self-medication, on the other hand, can be dangerous because it can lead to serious problems or the use of the incorrect prescription. You should see a doctor and seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. Furthermore, we strongly advise you to contact our medical advisors for the best viral fever treatment options.