Usually, most people have a normal body temperature of about 98.6°F (37°C). Anything a degree above this is often considered a fever. Fevers are often a symbol that your body is fighting off some sort of bacterial or virus infection.
A viral fever is any fever that’s actually caused by an underlying viral illness. A variety of viral infections can affect humans, from the cold to the flu. A low-grade fever may be a symptom of the many viral infections. But some viral infections, like dengue, can cause a comparatively higher fever.
Read on to find out more about viral fevers, including common symptoms and treatment options as shared by Dr. Ramit Singh Sambyal who is one of the best general physician in Vasant Kunj.
Table of Contents
What Are the Symptoms of a Viral Fever?
Viral fevers can cause an increase in temperature from 99°F to over 103°F (39°C), based on the underlying virus. If you’ve got a viral fever, you would possibly have a number of these general symptoms: • chills
- sweating
- dehydration
- headache
- muscle aches and pains
- a feeling of weakness
- loss of appetite
According to the doctors, these symptoms usually only last for a couple of days at the most.
What Causes a Viral Fever?
A viral fever is caused by infection with a disease causing virus . Viruses are very small infectious agents. Usually, they infect and multiply inside the cells of your body. A fever is your body’s way of fighting off a virus that may cause disease or has already created one. Many viruses are sensitive to shifts in temperature, so a rapid & sudden increase in your blood heat causes you to become less hospitable to viruses.
There are some ways that you simply can become infected with an virus, including:
- Inhalation- If someone with a virus infection sneezes or coughs near you, you’ll inhale droplets containing the virus. Examples of viral infections from inhalation include the flu or cold.
- Ingestion- Food and drinks are often contaminated with viruses. If you eat them, you’ll develop an infection. Examples of viral infections from ingestion include enteroviruses & norovirus.
- Bites- Insects and other animals can carry viruses. If they bite you, you’ll develop an infection. Examples of viral infections that result from bites include dengue and rabies.
- Bodily fluids- Exchanging bodily fluids with someone who features a virus infection can transfer the illness. Examples of this sort of virus infection include hepatitis B and HIV.
How May be a Viral Fever Diagnosed?
Both viral and bacterial infections often cause symptoms that are almost similar. To diagnose a viral fever, a doctor will usually start by ruling out a bacterial infection. They will do that by considering your symptoms and medical record, also as taking any samples to check for bacteria.
If you’ve got a pharyngitis, for instance, they could swab your throat to check for bacteria that causes streptococcal sore throat. If the sample comes back negative, you likely have a virus infection. They can also take a sample of blood or other liquid body substance to see a few markers which may indicate a virus infection, like your white blood corpuscle count.
How are Viral Fevers Treated?
In most cases, viral fevers don’t require any specific treatment or medicine. Unlike bacterial infections, they aren’t treatable with antibiotics. Instead, treatment usually focuses on providing relief from your visible symptoms. Common treatment methods include:
- taking over-the-counter fever reducers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to scale back a fever and its symptoms
- resting as much as possible
- drinking more water & fluids to remain hydrated and replenish fluids lost while sweating
- taking antiviral medications when required
- Bathing in lukewarm water to bring your blood heat down
Should I See a Doctor?
In many cases, a viral fever isn’t anything to stress about. But if you’ve got a fever that reaches 103°F (39°C) or higher, it’s best to call a doctor. You must call a doctor if you’ve got a baby with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. If you’ve got a fever, keep an eye fixed out for the subsequent symptoms, which all indicate a requirement for medical treatment:
- severe headache
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- abdominal pains
- frequent vomiting
- a rash, especially if it quickly gets worse
- a stiff neck, especially if you are feeling pain when bending it forward
- confusion
- convulsions or seizures
The Bottom Line
A viral fever refers to any fever that results from a virus infection, like the flu or dengue. While most viral fevers resolve on their own within one day or two, some are more severe and need medical treatment. If your temperature starts reading 103°F (39°C) or higher, it’s time to call a doctor. Otherwise, attempt to get the maximum amount rest and stay hydrated.
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