Viral fever is among the most widespread conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. It is defined as an increase in body temperature as a result of infection by viruses. Although viral fever can impact anyone, it mainly occurs in children and individuals whose immune systems are weak.
Since this condition can be caused by different viral infections, it is crucial to understand the nature of viral fever to ensure proper care and prevent it from spreading. This guide will explore more about the symptoms of viral fever, its causes, types, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
What are the Symptoms of Viral Fever?
Viral fever can affect anyone, irrespective of age or gender. Therefore, it’s essential to identify the symptoms that can occur in different age groups.
Viral Fever Symptoms in Children
- Fever
- Difficulty in breathing
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Body pain
- Fatigue and muscle pain
Viral Fever Symptoms in Teens and Adults
- High fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Painful tonsils and cough
Viral Fever Symptoms in Aged People
- High fever
- Fatigue and weakness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
What are the Causes of Viral Fever?
Viral fever occurs when your body is infected by a virus. These are tiny infectious particles that get inside your body and multiply within your cells, thus making you sick. There are several ways you might get infected by a virus, such as:
- Inhalation: Inhaling droplets from a person who is coughing or sneezing may introduce the virus into your system. The common cold and influenza are typical examples.
- Bites: Some animals and insects are able to spread viruses by biting. Infections from such bites include dengue fever and rabies.
- Ingestion: Consuming or drinking contaminated items containing viruses may lead to infection. Norovirus and enteroviruses are some infections that can be acquired through this means.
- Body Fluids: The exchange of body fluids with an individual carrying a viral infection can contribute to the transmission of the disease. HIV and Hepatitis B are infections that can be spread in this way.
What are the Risk Factors of Viral Fever?
Here are the notable risk factors associated with viral fever:
- Bacterial infections
- Respiratory ailments
- Neurological issues
- Organ damage
- Dehydration
- Post-viral fatigue syndrome
What are the Types of Viral Fever?
Some of the common viral fevers and their noteworthy symptoms are as follows:
- Influenza (Flu)
Influenza is an infectious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. It produces symptoms of high fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, and congestion. Influenza may range from mild to severe and cause complications in susceptible groups.
- Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is an arthropod-borne viral disease transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes. It is characterized by high fever, pains in joints and muscles, rash, and haemorrhage. Severe cases lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which are potentially fatal.
- Chikungunya Fever
This viral infection is mostly spread by mosquitoes, mainly by the Aedes species. Chikungunya results in acute high fever, intense joint pain, and muscle pain. Though seldom deadly, it may produce crippling joint pain that can last for months.
- Common Cold
The common cold is a mild respiratory illness frequently caused by rhinoviruses. The symptoms usually involve a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and general fatigue. It is very contagious and typically resolves in a week.
- Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis A and B are liver viruses. Hepatitis A is obtained by eating and drinking infected foods or water, whereas Hepatitis B is transmitted by blood and body fluids. Both can cause jaundice, tiredness, stomach discomfort, and nausea. Additionally, Hepatitis B can cause lifelong liver disease.
- Respiratory Viral Fever
These infections target the respiratory system and are comprised of illnesses such as influenza, the common cold, and bronchitis due to viruses. Other viruses, including adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are also responsible for respiratory symptoms like fever, cough, and breathing difficulties.
- Viral Enteritis (Gastroenteritis)
Viral gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, involves infection of the digestive tract. Rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus are the leading causes. Vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps in the abdomen, and fever are typical symptoms resulting in dehydration.
- Exanthemata Viral Fever
Viral infections mostly lead to this fever, along with a rash, which commonly occurs in children. Some common examples of these are measles and rubella. The rash typically occurs in stages and may take many days, sometimes followed by scabbing when healing.
- Hemorrhagic Viral Fever
Hemorrhagic fevers are caused by viruses that trigger extreme bleeding and a high increase in body temperature. They include viruses such as Ebola and Marburg, which cause internal bleeding and blood vessel damage. The infection can be deadly if left untreated.
- Neurological Viral Fever
Neurological viral infections affect the central nervous system, the brain, and the spinal cord. Infections such as the West Nile virus or Zika virus cause neurological signs such as seizures, confusion, and paralysis, which can be severe or of prolonged duration in some cases.
How to Diagnose Viral Fever?
Proper diagnosis of viral fever is crucial for treatment and differentiation from other infections. Here are the common diagnostic methods applied by physicians:
- Clinical Exam: The diagnosis starts with a physical exam to evaluate for fever, body pains, sore throat, rashes, and respiratory problems. Physicians evaluate for certain signs, such as skin rashes, lymph node enlargement, or dehydration.
- Medical History: A thorough medical history, including travel history, exposure to infected people, vaccination history, and current illnesses, assists in determining the cause of the fever.
- Laboratory Tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), viral antigen/antibody tests (such as NS1 for dengue, RT-PCR for influenza or COVID-19), and blood cultures assist in establishing a viral infection and eliminating other probable causes.
- Imaging Studies: Severe cases of viral fever may require imaging studies such as chest X-rays or ultrasounds to assess lung infection or organ injury.
What are the Treatment Methods of Viral Fever?
Since antibiotics are not effective against viral infection, the treatment of viral fever focuses on relieving symptoms. Some commonly used treatment methods include:
- The use of over the counter (OTC) drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and relieve accompanying symptoms.
- Getting sufficient rest is vital for recovery.
- Remain well-hydrated through fluid intake to replenish the water loss caused by sweating.
- A lukewarm bath can also help lower body temperature.
- Antiviral medication like oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu) can be used.
Viral fever is a common yet challenging medical condition that usually comes with a variety of symptoms, which may be mild or severe. Early treatment and diagnosis are essential in controlling the symptoms and avoiding complications.
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