Dr. Usha.m.rajdeo

Viral fever refers to a wide range of conditions caused by viral infections of the body. These infections lead to an elevation of body temperature, along with a variety of other symptoms such as headaches, body aches, chills and skin rashes. Viral fever can affect people of all age groups and may even be highly contagious if it is not contained and treated.

What causes viral fever?

Viral fever is caused by the infestation of viruses that spread through various avenues. These viruses enter the body and multiply at a specific site, leading to an infection that manifests itself as the symptoms of fever. This fever may be chronic or acute, depending on the nature of the infection and can easily spread from one person to another.

Some of the ways in which viral fever spreads are as follows:

1. Aerial transmission (coughing and sneezing).

2. Sexual transmission.

3. Consumption of contaminated food and water.

4. Contact with contaminated surfaces.

5. Contact with infected animals.

The symptoms of viral fever begin to show after an incubation period during which the virus multiplies within the body. The nature and duration of the illness varies from case to case. The most common symptoms of viral fever that accompany high body temperatures include the following:

• Muscle soreness

• Fatigue

• Nasal congestion

• Running nose

• Redness of the eyes

• Headaches

• Coughs

• Inflammation of the throat

• Skin rashes

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

How is viral fever treated?

A case of viral fever can be quite easily treated if there is an absence of complications. For this, the illness simply needs to be diagnosed early. The use of antibiotics and steroids for treatment is advised against unless the infections have escalated beyond a certain extent. Some of the ways to treat viral fever are:

• Prescription of antiviral medication

• Adequate bed rest

• Ample fluid intake

• Administration of nasal decongestants

In most cases, the illness gets treated within the span of a few days. However, if the symptoms persist any longer, it is advisable to consult a specialist to check for underlying problems or complications.