Down with Viral Fever? Here’s Are Some Things You Need to Know

All we remember about the rainy and winter seasons is the cool weather, just perfect for chai and pakoras. However, they also create a perfect environment for viral fevers to spread, causing a sudden surge in viral fever cases and making doctors' clinics jam-packed.

According to a 2019 report by the National Health Portal of India, there were 41,996,260 reported cases and 3,740 fatalities due to respiratory infections throughout India in 2018.

Fever is a sign that your body is fighting off a microbial invader. Basically, your body puts up a ‘Do Not Enter' poster for the microorganism. Viral fever results from a viral infection and is characterised by an increase in body temperature above the average. Anyone can get a viral fever — a common occurrence during the monsoons and winters due to a sudden dip in temperature.

The symptoms of viral fever vary depending on the type of virus that causes the fever. Common viral fever symptoms include:

• Body temperature ranging from 38°C to 40°C (100°F to 104°F)
• Sore throat
• Sweating and shivering
• Body aches and headaches
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain 
• Cough and runny nose
• Weakness

Viral fever is more common in children due to their underdeveloped immunity. High body temperatures, fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite, irritability, and reduced activity are some common experiences for children with viral fever. Symptoms related to viral fever in adults are similar to those in children but also include muscle aches.

• Intake of contaminated food or drinks can lead to infections and viral fever.
• Viral fever is also caused by touching anything infected with a virus, like phones, doorknobs, countertops, etc.
• Infants, children, and the elderly are more vulnerable to viral fever due to low immunity.
• Viruses responsible for causing viral fever can spread through body fluids (blood, semen, and vaginal fluids), such as Hepatitis B and HIV.
• Dengue fever, chikungunya, and the Zika virus infection are viral fevers spread through mosquito bites.

A recent study from India indicates that pandemics often arise when there is an imbalance in the ecosystem, such as when a new virus strain is introduced to humans or animals that lack immunity to that particular strain. Approximately 60% of human infectious diseases and 75% of new infections are zoonotic, with about two-thirds originating from wildlife.

There are different types of viral fevers that might affect several organs such as the respiratory system, digestive system, and even the brain.

• Respiratory viral fever: Affects the respiratory system, e.g., influenza (flu) and COVID-19
• Gastroenteritis: Commonly known as stomach flu. It affects your digestive tract and can cause viral fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
• Viral exanthems: These types of viral infections cause skin rashes along with viral fever, as seen in measles and chickenpox.
• Haemorrhagic viral fever: In cases of dengue and ebola, severe viral fever can cause bleeding and a very high body temperature.
  Neurological infections: Neurological infections are those that attack the brain and give rise to neurological disorders like encephalitis and meningitis.    

Wash or sanitise your hands properly, do not touch your face with unclean hands, and change your clothes regularly. Dispose of used tissues properly and avoid sharing things if you have a fever, to minimise the spread of infections causing viral fevers.

Use mosquito nets or repellents to protect yourself from mosquito bites that may infect you with organisms causing viral fever. 

Consume warm, healthy foods and incorporate vitamins into your diet to boost your immune system.

One of the major causes of gastrointestinal infections causing viral fever is drinking polluted water.

Avoid close interaction with people who have viral fever and wear a mask.

Most viral fevers are not serious, but seek medical help if:

• Your temperature is 39°C (103°F) or higher.
• Your baby has a rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
• You're suffering from severe headaches, difficulty breathing, chest pain, abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, worsening rashes, neck stiffness, pain, confusion, and seizures.

“Effective management of viral fever involves key practices. To reduce viral fever, stay hydrated, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and try lukewarm baths or cool water sponging. Take adequate rest and a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals to support your immune system. Always consult a doctor for viral fever rather than using antibiotics or self-medication,” says Dr Sanjay Mahajan, MBBS, MD (Medicine), from Shimla.

Viral fever can, in most instances, be treated with the right care. Being aware of viral fever, its symptoms, causes, and types helps in treating and preventing it. Good hygiene, hydration, and a nutritious diet contribute a lot to maintaining your immune system. By adhering to preventive measures and seeking appropriate medical advice, you can effectively manage viral fevers and speed up your recovery.

Most of the time, viral fevers last for 3 to 4 days. At times, other viral infections, such as dengue fever, may also last for 10 days or more.

Yes, because if the virus has not been eradicated, then the viral fever will be back, depending on the virus causing the fever and individual health.

Doctors may prescribe specific medications that help the body fight off viruses and prevent the spread of viral infections to treat some viral fevers. Medication is to be taken only after consulting a qualified doctor.

No, antibiotics are ineffective for viral fevers and are meant for bacterial infections. Using them for viral fever can lead to increased resistance to antibiotics.

Viral fever symptoms often worsens at night due to lower stress hormone levels, and increased immune system activity during the night.

Yes, patients with viral fever should take a bath, as it can help lower body temperature and provide relief.