What is Viral Fever?

A normal body temperature is about 37°C (98.6°F), above this temperature is considered a Fever. Viral fever is a type of fever caused by some viral illness or viral infection like cold or flu.

Fevers are a sign that our body is fighting any bacteria or some type of viral infection. A common viral fever duration is about 1-3 days. However, a long fever can occur for up to 14 days.

These are some reasons for you to get infected:

• Getting close to an infected person or animals
• Working with an infected person
• Sharing needles for medicines
• Living with rats
• Unprotected Sex
• Moving or living in a place where viral fever is spreading
• Low immunity

Read more to learn more about viral fevers, common symptoms associated with them, and their treatments.

What are the different types of Fever?

Types of Fever based on Temperature:

1. A body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) is considered a low-grade fever
2. A body temperature of 39.1°C-40°C (102.2°F-104°F) is considered a Moderate fever
3. A body temperature above 40°C (104°F) is considered a high-grade fever
4. A body temperature above 41.1°C (106°F) is considered Hyperpyrexia

Based on Duration:

1. Acute Fever- when the duration is less than 7 days.
2. Sub-Acute Fever- when the duration lasts up to 14 days.
3. Chronic or Persistent Fever- when the duration continues after 14 days.

Fever due to Area of effect:

1. Fever is due to diseases like HIV, Meningitis, Rabies, etc. which affect the CNS.
2. Fever is due to viral infections like Rotavirus infection, Norovirus infection, and Adenovirus infection that affects the digestive tract. Gastric Fever is also referred to as Stomach Flu.
3. Fever due to infections like Ebola and Dengue affects internal bleeding.
4. Fever is due to infections like Measles and Rubella that affect the skin causing skin eruptions and rashes.
5. Fever is due to infections like Polio, Flu, Rhinovirus, and Laryngitis that affect your respiratory tract.

What are the causes of viral fever?

Viruses are the main reason behind causing a viral fever. They multiply quickly within the cells and infect them. Fever is the response of your body to fight with virus. Ways that can make you infected with a virus:

• Close to an Infected person that sneezes or coughs
• Consuming contaminated food or drinks
• Bitten with an infected animal
• Exchanging bodily fluids with an infected person

Other causes include:

• Infections like viral (cold or flu), bacterial, Parasitic, and fungal infections.
• Excess Sunburn
• Inflammation
• Food Poisoning

Causes due to health conditions, like:

• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Liver Disease
• Side Effects of some medications
• Kidney Disease

What are the Symptoms of Viral Fever?

The common symptom of viral fever is high temperature. Other Viral Fever Symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Headache
• Muscle Pain
• Weakness
• Loss of Appetite
• Sore Throat
• Runny nose
• Vomiting
• Rapid Breathing
• Skin rashes
• Rapid Breathing
• Dehydration

What are the treatments for viral fever?

Mostly, fevers do not require any treatment. Relief is the main concern while providing treatment. Some treatment methods include:

• Taking OTC (Over-The-Counter) medicines such as ibuprofen helps in reducing symptoms
• Maintaining body fluids
• Resting as much as possible
• Take prescribed medication on time
• Take a sufficient amount of rest
• Keep hydrated
• Consume digestible meals
• Take warm baths

What to avoid during Viral Fever?  

• Avoid Googling for self-medicating and quick treatment options.
• Without proper knowledge and experience avoid taking medicines.
• Do not share your items like soap, handkerchiefs, or towels during fever.

When to visit a doctor?

Fevers are not to worry about but if it’s a Moderate or High-grade fever then it is important to visit a doctor. For Pediatric patients, a doctor is very important not to self-medicate them. Symptoms that indicate medical treatment:

• Chest pain
• Feeling Difficulty in Breathing
• Severe Headache
• Persistent vomiting