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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Viral Fever?

The normal body temperature is 37℃. If the body temperature exceeds 37℃ it is known as fever. Fever can be caused by either bacteria or virus. Viral fever can occur due to underlying infection caused by a virus.

What are the symptoms of Viral Fever?

Some of the general symptoms associated with Viral Fever are:

1. Chills
2. Dehydration
3. Sweating
4. Headache
5. Muscle ache
6. Body aches
7. Weakness
8. Decreased or lost appetite

What are the causes of Viral Fever?

Few of the causes of Viral Fever are:

1. Inhalation - If someone with viral infection sneezes or coughs beside a healthy individual then the same air will be inhaled by a healthy individual.
2. Ingestion - Consumption of drinks or eating food items that are contaminated with the virus.
3. Bites - If an insect or animal carrying the virus bites a healthy individual.
4. Bodily fluids - Exchange of bodily fluids with a person having a viral infection.

How is Viral Fever diagnosed?

1. Blood test
2. Tissue swab culture test
3. Bodily fluids 

Almost, both viral and bacterial fevers show the same symptoms. So, the doctor may test for either bacterial or viral culture. Based on the test results, doctor will diagnose the cause of the fever.

How a Viral Fever is treated?

Usually, Viral Fever is treated with ease than bacterial fever. Viral Fever does not respond to antibiotics. Hence, treating Viral Fever majorly focuses on symptomatic relief, such as:

1. Consuming over-the-counter medications to reduce body temperatures like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
2. Resting and staying hydrated to replenish the loss of fluids while sweating.
3. Bathing in lukewarm water to reduce the temperature.
4. If applicable, taking antiviral medications like Tamiflu.

[NOTE: Before taking any medications such as Tamiflu or Ibuprofen, please consult your doctor or have a discussion with the doctor]

When to see a doctor for the fever?

1. If the fever exceeds 38℃ in infants and 39℃ in adults
2. Severe headaches
3. Breathing difficulty
4. Chest pain
5. Pain in the abdomen
6. Persistent vomiting
7. Quick spreading rash
8. Febrile seizures
9. Stiffness in neck

How many days does it take for a Viral Fever to go down?

Generally, a Viral Fever goes down within 3-4 days. If it doesn’t subside, then consult a doctor.

What are the home remedies of Viral Fever?

Consuming the following herbs are proven to be effective: 

1. Turmeric and ginger powder
2. Coriander tea
3. Basil
4. Fenugreek water
5. Lemon and honey
6. Oral rehydrating fluids
7. Moringa and kudzu root

How to treat Viral Fever in infants?

1. Taking over-the-counter medications that are safe for infants
2. Wearing light fitted clothes
3. Avoid overuse of blankets when having chills
4. Lukewarm water bath
5. Drinking cool or room temperature water

If the fever still persists after 3-4 days, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

What is the difference between a Viral Fever and a Bacterial Fever?

1. Viral Fever is caused due to underlying viral infection whereas, Bacterial Fever is caused due to underlying bacterial infection.
2. Bacterial Fever can be treated with the help of antibiotics and a Viral Fever is treated for providing symptomatic relief.