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Imagine a day when you wake up in the morning, ready to conquer the world, but then suddenly, a spike in body temperature brings your entire day to a screeching halt. That’s the effect of a fever, which can transform your daily life and productivity from 100 to 0 in a matter of hours. Viral can make us feel sicker than ever and reduce our energy level to a mere fraction of what it should be.
Research shows that millions of people suffer worldwide from viral infection every year. It not only affects our day-to-day activity but leads to missed workdays, discomfort and frustration. However, understanding its potential causes, symptoms and treatment options for viral fever can help us avoid its grasp and lead healthier lives.
Types of Viral Fevers
There are various types of viral infections and it is believed that these infections are triggered by the introduction of viruses into the body through various means, such as inhalation, ingestion, and direct contact. Inadequate hygiene practices, close contact with infected individuals, and exposure to contaminated surfaces can increase the risk of viral infections. Following are some of the types of viral fevers, let’s have a look at the primary causes and symptoms of a viral fever.
1. Influenza or Flu
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness. It is characterised by sudden onset of symptoms such as high fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, and congestion. The condition can range from mild to severe and can result in complications, especially for the most vulnerable people.
- Causes: Influenza is caused by different strains of influenza viruses (A, B, C) and is typically spread through respiratory droplets.
- Symptoms: Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and respiratory congestion.
2. Dengue Fever
Viruses caused by the dengue virus cause dengue fever, which is a mosquito-borne infection. Severe forms of dengue can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
- Causes: It is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti.
- Symptoms: Symptoms include high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, rash, bleeding, and in severe cases, it can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
3. Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever is also a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the chikungunya virus. While rarely fatal, chikungunya can cause debilitating joint pain that lasts for months.
- Causes: It is primarily spread through mosquito bites.
- Symptoms: Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe joint pain, rash, and muscle pain.
4. Common Cold
The common cold is a viral respiratory infection, typically caused by rhinoviruses. It is usually not a severe illness and resolves on its own within a week or so.
- Causes: It is highly contagious and spreads through droplets from coughs and sneezes.
- Symptoms: Symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, and mild fatigue.
5. Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis A and B are viral liver infections. The most common way to contract hepatitis A is through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids and can lead to chronic liver disease.
- Causes: Hepatitis A is typically spread through contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during childbirth. It is advisable to address the symptoms correctly and in time, an internal medicine specialist in Vijayawada can help you diagnose and treat accordingly.
- Symptoms: Symptoms of hemorrhagic fever viruses may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Ways of Spreading Viral Fever/Infections
Understanding how viral infections spread is crucial for prevention. Viruses can spread through:
- Airborne Transmission: When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny respiratory droplets containing the virus can be inhaled by others nearby.
- Direct Contact: Physical contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands or hugging, can transfer the virus.
- Indirect Contact: Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus (doorknobs, elevator buttons, etc.) and then touching your face can lead to infection. Also, it can be transmitted through contaminated food and water.
Prevention of Viral Fever
Preventing viral fever is key to maintaining good health. Here are some preventive measures:
- Vaccination: Get vaccinated against preventable viral infections like the flu and COVID-19.
- Hand Hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places or touching surfaces.
- Respiratory Hygiene: Use a handkerchief, or tissues or cover your face with your elbow while coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from sick people, and maintain a sense of distance during outbreaks.
- Use Masks: Wear masks in crowded or indoor settings to reduce the risk of inhaling respiratory droplets.
- Stay Home When Sick: If you feel unwell, stay home to prevent spreading the infection to others.
Treatment for Viral Fever primarily focuses on Symptom Management
- Rest: Take the proper rest as your body needs the rest to recover.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, when you experience symptoms related to the types of viral fever.
- Over-the-counter medications: Non-prescription medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Antiviral Medications: In some cases of treatment of viral fever, antiviral medications may be prescribed, but these are usually reserved for severe cases.
Viral fevers can affect our daily lives with a ton of discomfort and sickness. However, we can minimize its impact with the right knowledge about its potential causes, symptoms and prevention strategies. Additionally, we can reduce the prevalence of viral infections by practising good hygiene and staying up-to-date about vaccinations. It is also important to seek prompt medical attention when needed to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Our health is our greatest asset, therefore, take every step possible to safeguard it. It is also recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. You can visit Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada if you suspect a viral fever.
Stay informed, stay safe, and let's keep viral fevers at bay.
