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Viral fever is one of the most common conditions among most age groups. It causes discomfort, fatigue issues, and, at times, even more serious complications. Knowing the common causes of viral fever and taking preventive measures can help you stay healthy and avoid unnecessary visits to the doctor. This blog will focus on the spread of viral infections, the causes of viral fever, and strategies to safeguard yourself and your family from infection.
What is a viral fever?
The term viral fever encompasses a group of viral infections that result in an elevated body temperature. Treatment for these infections differs from that of bacterial infections, which typically respond well to antibiotic treatment. Different viruses can cause viral fever, each presenting a unique set of symptoms and severity.
Common Cold Viruses: A variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, cause the common cold, which includes a sore throat, running nose, mild fever, and cough.
Influenza (Flu): Influenza viruses cause the flu, which typically manifests as a high fever, chills, body aches, and tiredness. Flu is a severe affliction compared to a cold, and complications may arise, especially in children and elderly people.
Gastroenteritis Viruses: This type includes norovirus and rotavirus, which cause gastroenteritis. Individuals with the disease have symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Dengue Virus: Mosquitoes transmit dengue fever, which has a high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint pain, and muscle pain. Sometimes, the severity of the symptoms can increase due to the dengue virus.
Chikungunya Virus: Transmitted by the mosquito, this can give a person fevers, joint pains, and even rashes and can persist for weeks if not longer.
COVID-19: The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causes this condition, which includes a spectrum of symptoms ranging from a simple fever, cough, and cold to difficulty breathing. It is highly communicable and causes adverse health complications.
How do you get and spread a viral infection?
Understanding the spread of infection is critical to avoiding it. The following are the different ways in which an infection can spread:
Direct contact: contact with an infected person can spread a virus to another person. This includes physical contact such as handshakes and hugs, among other forms. For instance, the common cold and flu are much more likely to spread in this manner.
Indirect contact: This occurs when a human touches a contaminated object or surface. This occurs when a person carrying the virus comes into contact with a doorknob. A second individual touches the same knob and exposes himself or herself to the virus.
Airborne Transmission: Some viruses, such as the flu virus and coronavirus, are transmissible through airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking. People who inhale droplets very closely from an infected person can contract the virus.
Vector-Borne Transmission: A mosquito bite spreads diseases like dengue, chikungunya, etc. The mosquito transfers the virus from an infected individual to others via its bite.
Fecal-Oral Route: Viruses, such as norovirus, spread through infected food or water. This usually happens when people do not maintain excellent hygiene or practice poor sanitation.
How to prevent a viral fever
Proper hygiene and lifestyle always prevent viral infections. Here are some effective strategies for preventing viral infections:
- Washing Hands Regularly: Always wash hands at regular intervals with soap and water; this will remove viruses lying on your hands. This is one very simple and easy procedure for inhibiting infection.
- Use Hand Sanitizer: Apply an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to the hands to kill the germs.
- Avoid Close Contact with Sick People: Try to maintain some reasonable distance between yourself and people who are sick.
- Cover Your Mouth and Nose: When you cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow to stop germs from spreading. After using tissues, always throw them away properly and wash your hands.
- Good Hygiene: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
- Use mosquito repellent: Do you live in the region where mosquito-borne viruses originate? To avoid mosquito bites, invest in mosquito repellents and dress appropriately.
- Stay Vaccinated: Vaccines are an absolutely great source of protection against some viral infections. or instance, some top-notch examples include flu shots for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to avoid serious infection.
- Safe Food and Water Handling: Cook food correctly and maintain clean water to protect against gastrointestinal viruses.
Treatment Options at Continental Hospitals
Experiencing a viral fever can get serious; that's why it is important to get the right medical treatment. Continental Hospital offers a complete set of treatment options for viral diseases. The hospital has:
- Diagnosis and Testing: Precise diagnosis is achieved by using advanced tests that locate the exact virus causing the fever.
- Symptomatic Treatment: This includes all medicines and treatments to relieve the many symptoms, such as fever, pain, and physical distress.
- Supportive Care: The ways to hydrate, rest, and feed that enable the human body to cope and recover from the infection.
- Provide specialist consultation in severe or complicated cases.
Conclusion
Viral fevers are caused by many viruses and can spread in many ways. Understanding how they infect and taking precautions can significantly reduce your chances of contracting them. Continental hospitals have some great treatment options that ensure a speedy recovery.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or need advice, consult our general physician at Continental Hospitals today!
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