What is the definition of a viral fever?
The average person’s body temperature is at 98.6°F (37°C). A fever is defined as a temperature that is higher than this. Fevers are frequently an indication that your body is combating a bacterial or viral infection. A viral fever is defined as a fever induced by a viral infection.
Many viral infections cause a mild fever as a symptom. However, some viral diseases, such as dengue fever, might result in a higher temperature. Understand further about viral fevers, including common symptoms and treatment options, by continuing reading.
What do the viral fever symptoms look like?
Depending on the underlying virus, viral fevers can range in temperature from 99°F to over 103°F (39°C). If you have a viral fever, you may have the following viral fever symptoms:
- Chills
- Dehydration, perspiration, headaches, and muscle aches
- A sensation of exhaustion and a loss of appetite
What causes a viral fever?
Infection with a virus causes a viral fever. Viruses are a type of infectious agent that is very small. They invade and multiply throughout your body’s cells. A fever is your body’s defense mechanism against a virus. Because many viruses are sensitive to temperature changes, a quick rise in your body temperature makes you less virus-friendly.
You can get infected with a virus in a variety of ways, including:
- Inhalation. You can breathe in virus droplets if someone with a viral infection symptoms near you. Inhalation-borne viral diseases include the flu and the common cold.
- Ingestion. Viruses can be found in food and beverages. You can get an illness if you consume them. Norovirus and enteroviruses are examples of viral illnesses spread by food.
- Bites.Viruses can be carried by insects and other animals. If you are bitten, you may become infected. Dengue fever and rabies are two viral illnesses that can be spread by bites.
- Bodily fluids.It is possible to spread a viral infection by exchanging body fluids with someone who is infected. Hepatitis B and HIV are few causes of this sort of viral infection.
How can you know if you have a viral fever?
Symptoms of viral and bacterial illnesses are typically identical. A doctor will most likely rule out a bacterial infection before diagnosing a viral fever. They can do so by taking into account your symptoms and medical history, as well as taking any samples for microbial testing.
They could swab your throat if you have a sore throat to check for bacteria that causes strep throat. If the test results are positive, you are most likely infected with a virus. They can also collect a sample of your blood or other bodily fluid to look for indicators that indicate a viral infection.
Wrapping Up
Any fever caused by a viral illness is referred to as a viral fever. While the majority of viral fevers go away on their own after a day or two, others are more serious and require medical attention. It’s time to see a doctor if your temperature rises to 103°F (39°C) or higher. Otherwise, get enough rest, drink plenty of water and consider applying for health insurance at Finserv MARKETS.
