A viral fever is the result of a viral infection. The fever in itself is not an illness, but it's the body's immune system producing antibodies to fend off infection and prevent the virus from colonising human cells. This causes the core body temperature to rise beyond the set point, which is approximately 37° Celsius or 98.6° Fahrenheit. The severity of viral fever depends on the type of infection. A viral fever caused by a common cold is usually mild, and you can treat it with over-the-counter medications or cold compresses. Infections like dengue or viral pneumonia can lead to a high fever that may require enhanced medical care.
Why does a viral infection cause fever?
The hypothalamus is a structure located in the brain and is responsible for regulating your body temperature body temperature and some other functions. During an infection, immunological mediators are secreted by the white blood cells – an integral part of your body’s immune system. These mediators trigger the temperature-regulating centre of the hypothalamus. Consequently, the body’s core temperature rises.Causes of Viral Fever
Individuals of any age can contract a viral infection and subsequent fever. . Here are the likely reasons for viral fever development:- Viral infections due to close contact You can contract a viral fever infection if you come in close contact with an already infected person. The infected person may forcefully disperse virus-containing droplets in the air through a cough or sneeze. If you happen to inhale the virus particles, the smaller particles can penetrate the lower respiratory tract, causing an infection. The common cold and flu are contagious viral infections that can lead to mild fever.
- Viral infections due to bites Usually, insects and animals are hosts for a multitude of pathogens. Mosquitoes are carriers of some of the most severe-infection-causing viruses. They can transmit infections like dengue, chikungunya, etc. Animals like stray dogs can be hosts of lyssaviruses. When an infected animal bites you, the virus is transmitted through the animal’s saliva, resulting in rabies and a subsequent fever.
- Viral infections due to ingestion Food can act as carriers for viruses such as the human Norovirus, hepatitis A, and the human Rotavirus. Food placed in unsanitary conditions, raw foods, and excessive handling of food are a few reasons for foodborne infections. Consuming unfiltered water can put you at risk since it may contain faeces and viruses like adenovirus, astrovirus, and hepatitis A, among others.
- Viral infections due to exchange of bodily fluid Body fluids such as blood, saliva, vaginal secretions, semen, and wound discharge are made up of cells that can get infected with a virus. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be present in blood, saliva, breast milk, etc. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can target blood, semen, vaginal fluids, cerebrospinal fluids, etc. Needle stick injuries from unclean needles, sexual intercourse, or unsanitary blood transfusions can cause infection to spread from one individual to another.
Symptoms of viral fever
When the thermal balance point in your body is disrupted, skin vasoconstriction can prevent heat loss and cause chills. To get the heat back, the muscles in the body contract. Muscle contractions can cause muscle and joint pain. Fever is also characterised by symptoms like sweating, headaches, appetite loss, and more.Treatment for viral fever
In most cases, a viral fever can be treated at home. You can alleviate the fever symptoms in these ways:- You can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
- You must replenish lost fluids by drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-containing fluids.
- You can lower your body temperature by taking a lukewarm bath.
