Viral Fever

A viral fever is generally caused by an airborne viral infection, although it can be caused by waterborne infections too. While you can take measures to prevent waterborne infections, there is little that you can do to prevent airborne viral infections as they spread through the very air we breathe. A viral fever is rarely a cause for concern and in most cases, it clears without any medical intervention. However, it is not easy to differentiate between a bacterial infection and a viral fever as they share many of the same symptoms, which is why it is important to consult a doctor if your temperature reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit or if it shows no signs of abatement after 48 hours.

Viral Fever Causes

A viral fever can be caused by any one (or more) of a number of viruses. The most common cause of viral fever is the common cold which is caused by a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. The common cold is known as acute viral rhinopharyngitis and it is the most common infectious disease. While it can leave a person weak and fatigued, the common cold rarely causes any further medical complications. There are over 200 different viruses that are associated with colds and very often, more than one virus is present. Some of the other common viral fever causes include sinus infections, viral gastroenteritis, and seasonal influenza (the flu).

Symptoms of Viral Fever

A viral fever is characterized by a very high fever that is often remittent – where the fever abates for a little while and then shoots up once again. Some of the other common symptoms of viral fever include extreme fatigue, malaise, and muscle aches along with chills. OTC (over the counter) drugs provide little to no relief from viral fever symptoms. Some of the other symptoms of viral fever include:

• Severe joint pain
• Vomiting
• Nasal congestion
• Cough
• Headache
• Skin Rashes
• Diarrhea

If you experience a high fever along with one or more of these symptoms, visit your doctor right away to determine if you have a viral fever.