Viral Fever : Causes, Types, Treatment and Symptoms

A viral fever is a frequent, usually self-limiting symptom of a viral infection in which the body elevates its temperature as a defense mechanism. It is caused by several viruses, including those that cause the flu or dengue, and manifests as a high temperature, exhaustion, and muscle pain.

Most Common Viral Fever Symptoms:

• High body temperature, usually between 37°C and 40°C
• Chills and sweating
• Body aches, joint pain, and muscle stiffness
• Headache and a feeling of heaviness
• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Accompanied by a sore throat and cough when the lungs are involved.
• Runny or blocked nose
• Loss of appetite and dehydration
• Nausea, vomiting, or sometimes diarrhea
• Skin rash due to certain viral infections

Common, Uncommon or Underlying Causes of Viral Fever

The exact cause can be several different viruses, depending on where you live, what you’ve been exposed to, and how the germ entered your body. The specialists may perform several medical tests to identify which virus is causing the condition, such as obtaining a blood sample. This allows them to confirm the infection and decide on the best strategy to help you recover.

• Respiratory viruses: Influenza, parainfluenza viruses, coronavirus (COVID-19), and adenoviruses.
• Mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and malaria, present with fever similar to viral fever.
• Gastrointestinal viruses: rotavirus, norovirus, and enteroviruses.
• Herpesviruses: Herpes simplex, chickenpox, and mononucleosis.
• Rare tropical viruses: Ebola or Marburg viruses, which cause viral hemorrhagic fever.
• Viral infections acquired from animal bites: rabies and others.
• Viral infections with systemic effects: Hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, E) or HIV.
• Viral exanthems: Measles, rubella, or fifth disease, which cause rash along with fever.
• Viral fevers are associated with an immune response.
• Inhalation of droplets from coughs or sneezes.
• Contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, or bodily fluids.
• Bites from infected insects or animals.
• Ingestion of contaminated food or water.
• Blood transfusions or exposure to infected blood products.

When to Seek a Specialist for Your Viral Fever?

Most moderate viral fevers resolve on their own within 3 to 5 days if you relax and take care of yourself at home. However, if your fever lasts longer, worsens, or rises significantly, and if you experience troubling symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a strange rash, or confusion or trouble moving, you should see a doctor or visit a specialist immediately.

Visit your specialist if these viral fever symptoms are present:

• Fever lasting more than 3 days, regardless of home remedies.
• High temperatures above 39°C – 40°C signal a serious infection.
• Fever that keeps rising or returns after initially subsiding.

Seek immediate hospital care from a specialist:

• Severe headache, stiff neck, or pain while bending the head forward.
• Mental confusion, disorientation, or drowsiness.
• Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or persistent vomiting and abdominal pain.
• Convulsions or seizures.
• Unusual, rapidly spreading rash, especially one that spreads fast or doesn’t blanch when pressed (possible bleeding disorder or dengue warning sign).
• Sensitivity to light, neck pain, or severe muscle spasms.
• Rapid heartbeat, dehydration, or chills accompanied by shivering.

Special cases requiring prompt attention:

• Infants under 3 months old with a temperature above 38°C.
• Children under 2 years with a fever lasting more than 24 hours.
• Elderly adults (65+) or individuals with weakened immunity, chronic diseases, or post-transplant status.
• Anyone with recent international travel to regions where dengue, malaria, or typhoid are common.

Don’t wait for signs to grow severe. Consult our general physicians today

Diagnostic Approach for Viral Fever

The clinical evaluation of symptoms and targeted laboratory tests are combined in a specialist-approved, stepwise, evidence-based diagnostic approach for viral fever. This approach is designed to identify the specific viral cause, rule out other infections, and guide appropriate treatment.

• A full medical history, including symptoms, fever duration, exposure, travel, and health concerns, followed by a physical examination to assess fever, rash, respiratory, and other complications.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Assess white blood cell counts to check for infection and inflammation, such as with dengue.
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Measures inflammation; higher levels suggest infection severity.
• Viral-specific Tests: Detection of viral antigens or antibodies through dengue NS1 antigen, influenza swabs, or COVID-19 tests.
• Blood Smears: For malaria parasites or other blood-borne fever-related infections.
• Widal Test: For typhoid fever differentiation.
• Urine Analysis: To detect secondary infections or dehydration status.
• Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays or scans if pneumonia is suspected.

Types of Viral Fever

Viral fevers are classified by the causative virus and affected systems and may vary in terms of transmission, symptoms, severity, and complications. Treatment is centered on symptom relief, with urgent care necessary for severe types, such as hemorrhagic fevers or complicated dengue.

Some common types of Viral Fever include:

• Respiratory Viral Fever: Influenza, common cold, COVID-19, and viral bronchitis
• Gastrointestinal Viral Fever: Infections caused by rotavirus and norovirus
• Mosquito-borne Viral Fever: Dengue, zika, and chikungunya
• Neurologic Viral Fever: Viral meningitis and encephalitis
• Viral Hemorrhagic Fever: Marburg and Ebola
• Exanthematic Viral Fever: Measles, chickenpox, rubella
• Hepatitis Viruses: A group of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E) associated with jaundice

How to Treat Viral Fever Symptoms?

Treatment for viral fever primarily aims to manage discomfort and support the immune response at home, but prompt medical attention is required if the fever persists, is very high, or is accompanied by severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe headache, or a stiff neck.

For underlying causes, treatments & rehabilitative strategies include:

• Hydration: Consume fluids, such as water, electrolyte drinks, coconut water, herbal tea, and clear broths.
• Rest: Adequate amount of sleep for the body to recover and fight viral fever.
• Temperature control: Bathe with lukewarm water and later apply a cold compress on the forehead or neck to provide relief.
• Nutrition: Consume boiled vegetables and fruits without upsetting the stomach; other nutritious, light, easy-to-digest food.
• Home remedies: Steam inhalation, ginger tea, or teas with turmeric, fenugreek, 
• Over-the-counter medications
• Avoid dehydrating substances like alcohol or caffeine
• Wear light, breathable clothing to avoid overheating

What if Viral Fever is Left Untreated?

Ignoring a viral fever can lead to anything from minor problems to serious, life-threatening problems, depending on how bad the infection is and your overall health. That’s why it’s so important to manage your symptoms, stay hydrated, get rest, and see a doctor quickly if needed.

Some possible complications of an untreated Viral Fever include:

• Dehydration accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea
• Secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia
• In severe cases, shock, seizures, or delirium
• Neurological problems like encephalitis or meningitis
• Organ failure involving the  kidneys, liver, or lungs
• Febrile seizures in children between 6 months and 5 years
• Bleeding from the skin or internal organs
• Prolonged fatigue and malaise

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