Viral fever is a collective term used for fever originating from a viral infection. A variety of viral infections can affect humans, from the common cold to the flu. Any degree of temperature above the average human body temperature which is approximately 37.1°C (98.4°F) is usually considered a fever.

How Can I be Sure if It's a Viral Fever?

Viral fever is usually acute and more common during season changes, e.g. Rainy season. The duration for most viral infections is 3-5 days; however, in a few of the viral infections, fever can last even up to 14 days. It is common in kids and people with weak immunity. Viral fever can be low-grade (below 37.78°C (100°F) in a few infections, and it can be high-grade [above 37.78 (100°F)] in viral infections such as Dengue, etc.

What Are The Symptoms of  Viral Fever?

Symptoms associated with a viral fever can vary depending on the type of viral infection and can also vary from person to person. Common viral fever symptoms related to the majority of viral infections include the following:

  • High-grade fever [go upto 38.89°C-40°C (102-104℉)]

    • Headache (mild to severe)

    • Runny nose or nasal congestion

    • Sore throat

    • Dehydration

  • Low-grade fever

    • Fatigue

    • Warm skin

    • Flushed face

    • Glassy eyes

    • Chills or Shivering

    • Sweating

    • Headache

    • Muscle Aches

Treatment for Viral Fever

Treatment for a viral fever depends upon the underlying cause, the degree of the fever, and other symptoms a person may be experiencing

The treatment is decided based on the grades of fever as given below:

  • High-grade fever: a high dose of paracetamol may be prescribed by the doctor to be taken more frequently (every 4-6 hours). Paracetamol can be injected intravenously to reduce the temperature and bring it closer to the normal range for severely ill patients
  • Low-grade fever:  some home remedies which may help include:
    • Eating healthy and light meals that are easy to digest and nutritious. 

    • Lukewarm baths and drinking electrolyte solution to treat muscle aches, fatigue, diarrhoea, etc.

    • Take your fever or pain-killer medication at prescribed time intervals to avoid pain or discomfort.

Antibiotics are also usually prescribed to prevent any secondary bacterial infections, and they should also be taken at the dose, frequency and duration as specified.

When Should You See a Doctor ?

People often self-medicate and go for over-the-counter (OTC) viral fever medicines to relieve the symptoms. Still, self-medication can be dangerous as it can lead to severe complications or the use of incorrect medicine. You should seek medical attention when 

  • Fever persists for longer than 3 days

  • Body temperature is higher than 39.4°C (103°F) in adults, 38.9°C (102°F) in children, or 38°C (100.4°F ) in infants,

  • Fever not settling with OTC medicines

  • Severe headache and difficulty in breathing

Untreated persistent fever can cause seizures, hallucinations, and confusion, and they are symptoms of a more serious illness.

Should I be Worried that I’m Falling Ill Too Often?

Fever is one of the most common presenting complaints in childhood and mid-adulthood. Adults average up to 3-4 fever episodes in a year. Although most fever usually goes away with proper rest and medications, recurrent chronic fever may interfere with daily activities and requires a medical diagnosis. Inadequate nutrition, stress, lack of sleep, and contact with an infected person are some of the reasons to fall ill often. 

 Precautions:

  • Wear a mask or cover your face in public places

  • Drink clean water, if possible boiled water to stay hydrated.

  • Cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing.

  • Avoid outside meals and eat healthy nutritious food.-Maintain proper hygiene

Always remember prevention is better than cure!


Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.