What Are The Common Symptoms Of Viral Fever
Most of us already know the classic symptoms of viral fever; chills, shaking, uncomfortable heat, or skin that is red and hot to the touch.
To what extent can body temperature be considered a case of viral fever?
The ideal body temperature is about 37 ° C (98.6 ° F). Anything above that would be considered a fever. However, in viral fevers, your temperature can drop from 102 ° F to more than 104 ° F.
Viral fever is any fever that occurs as a result of a viral infection. Some viral infections like the common cold, flu, or dengue fever can cause viral fever.
Oftentimes, people with a viral fever can have symptoms, including a runny nose, cough, nausea, and body aches. However, some people may mistake these symptoms for another illness.
Therefore, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of viral fever to initiate treatment in a timely manner. The common signs of viral fever to look out for are:
Fever that occurs at regular intervals.
The fever that comes with chills
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the common symptoms of viral fever. When you have a fever, your body loses fluid through the surface of your skin in an attempt to lower your body temperature. This can lead to sweating and loss of electrolytes and reduced fluid intake, which can lead to dehydration.
Headache
Sometimes people can experience mild to severe headaches when they have a viral fever. Fever can cause changes in your body that can cause severe headaches. These headaches can be worse when accompanied by a cough, cold, or sneezing.
Body pain and stiffness
Body aches and pains are normal symptoms of viral fever. You may feel a dull ache or ache in some or all areas of your body. When you have a high fever, you often feel pain in your body. Also, the pain may be worse if the fever is accompanied by a cold or sneezing.
Loss of appetite
You may experience a loss of appetite during a high fever. When you get sick, your brain chemistry can change along with the production of chemicals called cytokines. These chemicals can reduce your appetite and you may not feel like eating.
Shaking chills
Chills or chills are some of the common symptoms of high fever. Chills are usually caused by rapid muscle contraction and relaxation. It is a way for the body to generate heat when it is cold.
Tired
You may feel tired or irritable if you have a viral fever. Also, your fatigue may be related to an underlying illness or infection, especially if it’s accompanied by shortness of breath or loss of appetite.
Dizziness
Some people often feel weak or dizzy with viral fever. This symptom can occur when your body is not getting enough blood or your blood pressure is low. Also, not drinking enough fluids can also make you feel dizzy.
Eruptions
Some people can also develop a rash during a viral fever. This type of symptom is more common in children. Viral rashes can occur due to infections such as mononucleosis, chickenpox, and measles.
Let’s move on to the diagnosis of viral fever
Your doctor will look at common symptoms of viral fever and ask for your medical history. It may also suggest blood tests to identify the presence of viruses in a person’s blood or urine. Based on the result of these tests, your treatment will begin.
Viral fever treatment
In most cases, viral fever may not require specialized treatment. However, unlike bacterial infections, viral fever may not respond to antibiotics.
Instead, viral fever treatment generally focuses on relieving your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest treatment methods, including:
Take over-the-counter fever medications to reduce fever and its symptoms.
Rest as much as possible
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Eat healthy foods to keep your body energized.
Sitting in a warm bath to lower body temperature
