Viral Fever - Symptoms and Treatment

The most common cause of viral fever is Influenza A and B.

Signs and symptoms of viral fever

• High fever
• Body pain
• Malaise
• Generalized weakness
• Headache
• Skin rashes
• Redness of eyes
• Cold
• Muscle and joint pains
• Watering of eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Joint swelling
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lymph gland swelling 

Cause of viral fever

Viral fever spreads through inhalation of aerosolized particles, intake of contaminated water or food or by direct contact.

Diagnosis of viral fever

• Peripheral blood smear
• Complete blood count
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Nasal swabs

Risk factors of viral fever

• Children on long-term aspirin therapy
• Pregnant mothers
• Weak immune system
• Close contacts with the persons having flu.

Complications of fever

• Acute sinusitis
• Bronchitis
• Ear infections
• Encephalitis
• Pneumonia

Treatment:

• Antipyretics to reduce fever like acetaminophen, ibuprofen
• Antivirals like Amantidine, Oseltamivir, Rimantidine, and Zanamivir
• Vaccinations are available
• Patient is advised to take lot of fluids, healthy diet rich in vitamins

Prevention

• Taking healthy diet, exercising and having good sleep to improve health
• Washing hands
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Avoid smoking
• Taking boiled and cooled water regularly
• Avoid taking contaminated food and water
• Cough and sneeze covering the nose and mouth with handkerchief.
• Blow your nose only under the shower
• Take steam inhalation if you have blocked nose. You can add eucalyptus oil to the water.