Latest Viral Fever: Symptoms, Causes, Types, and Treatment at Home

This is the season for the causes and types of the latest viral Fever. So many of you must wonder how to protect yourself from these infections and what to do when you catch one. And what are viral fever treatments at home that can be safe and effective? 

Viral Fever is generally nothing to worry about except in some instances, such as when it is too high, lasts longer than a week, or when you are immunocompromised or have chronic health issues like cardiac problems, diabetes, etc. 

This article will shed light on the causes, symptoms, and home treatment of viral Fever. 

What Is Latest Viral Fever?

The latest viral Fever is a fever due to a viral infection. There is an increase in body temperature above the normal range, along with characteristic symptoms like runny nose, headaches, malaise, etc. Low immunity makes children, adults, and immunocompromised individuals more susceptible to viral infections. 

With a viral infection, our immune system goes into overdrive by responding to the condition with a raised body temperature. Most viral fevers can be managed at home with rest and home remedies. However, a prolonged or high fever or a fever with unusual symptoms or Fever in people with chronic health issues or who are immunocompromised may need early medical intervention. Let us learn more about viral Fever and its management.

Also Read: Top 5 Best Homeopathic Medicine for Fatty Liver

What Are The Causes of Viral Fever?

The average human body temperature is somewhere around 98.6°F. If the temperature is a degree or above this, it is considered a fever. 

When the causative organism is a virus, a petite infectious agent, the resultant Fever is termed viral Fever. 

Common colds, flu, dengue, and other viral infections can lead to illness. Some of these infections lead to a low-grade fever, while others cause a higher fever. 

A fever is a response to fight an infection, as a raised body temperature makes it difficult for viruses and bacteria to thrive. This is why it is sometimes advised to avoid medicine to bring the Fever down as long as it is a low-grade fever without significant symptoms. 

You can become infected with a virus through these routes:

• Via inhalation of infected droplets when a sick person coughs or sneezes near you. Examples are the common cold and flu.
•   Via ingestion of contaminated foods and drinks.
•   Via bites of insects or animal carriers, like Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquito bites.
•   Rarely by exchange of bodily fluids like in the case of Hepatitis B and HIV.

What Are The Latest Viral Fever Symptoms?

These are some signs and symptoms you may have:

• Getting the Chills: Ever suddenly feel super cold and start shivering? That's your body trying to deal with the infection.

• Sweating Buckets: Picture this – your body sweating like crazy, trying to cool itself down during a fever. It's like your own little temperature battle.

• Thirsty and Dry: Fever can make you thirsty; sometimes, you might feel all dried up. It's like your body's saying, "Hey, I need more fluids!"

• That Nauseous Feeling: Some viruses can turn your stomach upside down, making you feel like you're about to do a flip. Not fun, right?

• Headache Central: Imagine having a persistent, annoying headache. Yep, blame it on the viral party happening inside you.

• Body Groans and Moans: Ever had your muscles and joints complain? Your body's telling you it's not too thrilled about the virus crashes.

• Just Feeling Off: You know when you feel like something's off, but you can't quite put your finger on it? That's the malaise kicking in.

• Weakness Vibes: Feeling like a superhero whose powers got drained? Viral fevers can make you feel weak like you need a serious recharge.

• No Appetite, No Thanks: Suddenly not in the mood for your favorite meal? Viral fevers can mess with your appetite, making food seem like a distant friend.

• Skin Drama: Sometimes, your skin might decide to join the party with rashes or red spots. Not the most incredible guests, right?

• Tummy Troubles: Some viruses stir up trouble in your stomach, causing issues like diarrhea or belly pain.

• Rare Nervous System Surprises: In rare cases, certain viruses might mess with your nerves, leading to confusion, seizures, or other unexpected guests.

What Are The Types Of Latest Viral Fever?

We will look at a broad classification of viral fevers. They can be classified based on factors like transmission mode, body organs affected, type of infection-causing virus, etc. 

Let us keep it simple and look at the types:

• Respiratory Viral Fever- This is caused by viruses like adenovirus that cause the common cold, parainfluenza virus, COVID-19 virus, RSV, SARS virus, etc. The most common are flu-like symptoms, including colds, coughs, malaise, fevers, sore throats, body aches, etc.

•  Gastrointestinal Viral Fever- The common causative agents are Rotavirus, Norovirus, and some adenovirus. Patients will complain of diarrhea, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a fever.

•  Exanthematous Viral Fever- Measles, Chikungunya, Rubella, and Smallpox are some examples of these types of infections where there will be skin rashes, eruptions, and Fever. 

•  Hemorrhagic Viral Fever- Dengue can sometimes be a Hemorrhagic viral fever. Other examples are Ebola, Yellow Fever, etc. There will be damage to the circulatory system in these infections. 

•  Neurological Viral Fever- The symptoms will be associated with nervous system damage. Examples are Viral meningitis, Viral Encephalitis, Polio, etc. 

What is the duration of the viral Fever In the child?

When kids catch a viral fever, it usually hangs around for about 3 to 5 days. But here's the thing – it depends on which virus is causing the Fever. Some fevers, like the one from dengue, can stick around for a bit longer, maybe ten days or even more. The time it takes for the Fever to go away can also be affected by how healthy the child is, how well their immune system fights back, and if they get medical help when needed. If the Fever sticks around for more than it should or worsens, it's wise to talk to a doctor. They can figure out what's going on and help the child feel better sooner.

Viral Fever Blood Test -

Bacterial and Viral fevers can show the same signs and symptoms. A doctor can make a primary diagnosis based on history, health status, progression, or symptom improvement. Additional testing may be necessary for confirmation. 

Complete Blood Count(CBC), White Blood cell count(WBC), ESR, swab test, sputum test, antigen or antibody test, urine test, etc, may be prescribed based on symptoms. 

If the doctor suspects Dengue, Typhoid Malaria, etc., specific serological tests will be prescribed to rule out these infections. You may also need a chest X-ray. 

O-Lab is your trusted lab to get your tests done for timely and accurate reporting to help your doctor with a proper diagnosis. Our test packages are highly discounted. 

Latest Viral Fever Treatment At Home -

Treatment for the latest Viral Fevers is targeted at reducing symptoms and discomfort. Most of these fevers can be managed at home with care and rest. 

You can treat uncomplicated viral fevers at home by:

• Take OTC fever reducers like paracetamol or acetaminophen when your Fever is high, and your symptoms are causing much discomfort. Don't take these in case of liver problems without consulting a doctor. Avoid aspirin for children. Follow the dosing instructions. 
•   Resting a lot
•   Keeping yourself hydrated and by replacing electrolytes if you have vomiting
•   Taking a Tepid bath or damp towel on the forehead 
•   I was eating light and nutritious food. 
•   Steam inhalation to loosen mucus

You may need medical intervention if:

• You are an adult with a fever above 103°F
•   The child has a rectal temperature above 100.4°F, irritability, tugs at the ear, does not maintain eye contact, or a fever that lasts long. 
•   You are immunocompromised
•   You have Diabetes, Kidney, liver, or cardiac problems, have had an organ transplant
•   You have severe headaches and vision changes
•   There is difficulty breathing
•   There is chest pain
•   You have severe stomach pain
•   You have excessive vomiting
•   You notice a rash
•   You have a stiff neck
•   You or someone else sees confusion, convulsions, or seizures
•   You have progressively worsening symptoms

How To Treat Viral Fever With Remedies -

Some herbal home remedies can be safely taken to ease the symptoms and shorten the duration of the Fever. 

These include-

• Taking honey, ginger, and lemon to soothe a sore throat
•   Taking licorice to calm the cough
•   Taking Guduchi for immunity
•   Vegetable or chicken broth 
•   Tulsi leaves concoction for their antibiotic and immune balancing properties
•   Rice starch or gruel to ease gastrointestinal symptoms
•   Dry ginger concoction for gastrointestinal symptoms and also for anti-inflammatory properties
•   Turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties 

Conclusion

The latest viral Fever is manageable with plenty of rest, hydration, and nourishing yet light-to-digest meals. For any unusual symptoms, pre-existing conditions, long-duration Fever, unusual weakness, or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical care.