Viral Fever: Symptoms, Causes and Easy Treatment Options

Viral fevers are a prevalent medical condition, especially during changes in weather. Many of you might have felt weak and worn out as a result of symptoms like fever, body aches and exhaustion. However, viral infections are illnesses caused by various viruses that thrive in certain seasons, particularly during transitions between seasons like monsoon or winter. The immune system becomes weaker during these times, especially when you are not taking adequate precautions.  

Viral fever

In viral fever, the body temperature of an individual increases due to viral infection. Viruses are pathogens that contain a piece of genetic information inside a protective layer called the capsid. When your body fights back against the viral invasion, it raises the body temperature. The increase in the temperature, referred to as fever, is the body’s natural defence mechanism to hinder viral replication. The virus damages the blood walls in a blood vessel, making them leak and increasing body temperature.

Viral infections are caused by a virus, a microorganism that uses the body cells to multiply themselves. The cells in your body, on the other hand, contain many DNA and RNA molecules. A virus doesn’t contain cells, they do not have any machinery to make their copies, which is multiplication of themselves. Hence, when they have to multiply, they use human cells, especially DNA, to get replicated.  

Viral infection causes symptoms like fever, cough and rashes. Viruses may be described according to the symptoms they cause, the portion of the body they infect and how they are transmitted. Adenovirus and herpesvirus are two examples of viruses that can cause a wide range of illnesses. Viral infection types include:

• Respiratory infections
• Digestive system infections
• Viral haemorrhagic fevers
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Exanthemata’s infections
• Neurological infections
• Congenital infections  

Symptoms of viral fever

The symptoms of viral fever include:

• Elevated body temperature accompanied by chills and sweating
• Weakness and fatigue
• Body aches and pain that can be generalised to certain parts of your body
• Headaches
• Sore throat and cough
• Runny nose  
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Vomiting and diarrhoea  

Causes of viral fever

Replication of viruses causes viral fevers, each with its own route of transmission. Some of the viruses that cause viral fevers are:

• Influenza virus: The influenza virus causes influenza flu, which is highly contagious and spreads by respiratory droplets.  
• Dengue virus: Dengue fever is caused by mosquitos, which transmit the dengue virus into the human body by a bite.  
• Rhinovirus: It causes common cold and spreads through direct contact with infected surfaces.  
• Chikungunya virus: It is transmitted by mosquitos, which leads to fever.
• Ebola virus: It is an uncommon fever caused by the Ebola virus and is contagious.
• Zika virus: It causes fever along with birth abnormalities and neurological illness.  

Transmission of virus

How the virus is transmitted into your body? Certain factors transmit viruses and cause viral infections, leading to viral fevers. They are:

• From respiratory droplets through cough, sneeze or close contact with an infected person
• From surfaces or objects that someone with a virus has touched
• Through sex with an infected person
• From animal bite
• From eating contaminated food and water  

Viral fever treatment

Viral fever is caused by a virus, and antibiotics do not work against them, as they are designed to destroy bacteria and not viruses. Hence, there are no specific treatments for viral fever. Nonetheless, there are ways to control symptoms and support the body’s defence system against the infection.  

Some of the treatment methods include:

• Antiviral medications: They are particularly prescribed for the influenza virus, which disrupts the virus’s ability to replicate. It is effective when prescribed during early diagnosis.  
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water prevents dehydration, clears broths, and gives energy.  
• Warm baths: A lukewarm bath can help lower fever.

Conclusion

To conclude, viral fever is a condition caused by a viral infection. It increases body temperature and causes body aches, chills, sweating and fatigue. Many treatment methods can help to manage the symptoms and cure the fever.