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Today, viral fever is a common health complaint that affects both children and adults equally. To combat a viral infection, the immune system responds. These typical symptoms of viral fever include sudden rises in body temperature, usually accompanied by severe fatigue, headaches, and body aches. Though usually not life-threatening, knowing the causes and when to attend to them is necessary.
In this blog, we will look at some common causes of viral fever, how it is different in children and adults, and the treatment options available. We will also discuss when to visit the doctor and the treatment options available at Continental Hospitals.
What is a viral fever?
A viral infection can cause any type of fever. The body raises its temperature in response to an attempt to expel these invading viruses from the body, the body raises its temperature. Viruses are minute organisms that enter the body and infect systems such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or nervous systems in order to raise the body's temperature and develop other symptoms.
Children's Viral Fever: Common Causes
- Respiratory infections, such as the common cold and flu, are the most prevalent causes of viral fever in children. Most of these infections spread really quickly in crowded places, such as schools or daycare centers.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Viral infections are common in children and may lead to stomach and intestinal infections. That can further result in viral gastroenteritis, known as the "stomach flu," followed by fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: The interiors of hand, foot, and mouth disease are a very common viral disease in young children. It is caused by enterovirus, which frequently results in fever, body rashes, and mouth sores.
- Chickenpox: This is also a very common viral fever in children, caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox is characterized by a raised temperature or fever, followed by an itchy rash that forms blisters.
- Measles and rubella: Although these diseases are becoming less common with vaccination policies, measles and rubella can still result in viral fever in nonimmunized children. Both diseases present with a fever and a pathognomonic rash.
- Virgil infections: Mosquito bites transmit the dengue and chikungunya viruses, which cause fever in children, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
Viral Fever in Adults: Common Causes
- Influenza (Flu): Influenza is among the best-known viral infections that present with fever in adults. Flu symptoms include fever, chills, aching all over, and feeling very tired. It is known to spread rapidly at the onset of flu season in communities.
- Common Cold: Although it usually produces mild symptoms, the common cold is so named because it is one of the most common causes of fever in adults. It's caused by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses.
- Viral Gastroenteritis: As with children, adults can also have viral gastroenteritis. This disease is often characterized by fever, nausea, and diarrhea. Norovirus and rotavirus account for most of the viruses causing this illness.
- Dengue fever: Another mosquito-transmitted virus causes another serious disease called dengue. This is more prevalent in the tropics. A high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, and a rash are the symptoms of this disease.
- COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic brought worldwide attention to viral fevers. COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe, but fever (along with coughing and shortness of breath) is one of the defining symptoms.
- Hepatitis A and B: Hepatitis A and B are viral infections that target the liver and cause fever, fatigue, and jaundice.
- Mononucleosis (Mono): The Epstein-Barr virus causes mononucleosis, colloquially known as the "kissing disease," due to its transmission through saliva. It causes a long-lasting fever, a sore throat, and swollen glands. The disease affects mostly young adults.
How Viral Fever Affects Children vs. Adults
Children:
Higher Fever Peaks: Children have higher fever peaks compared to adults. This is partly due to the fact that children's immune systems react more strongly to infections.
Behavioral Changes: Children with fever often exhibit irritable behavior, loss of appetite, and somnolence. The children may also have disturbed sleep.
Fever Febrile Seizures: Some high fevers, particularly in small children, can cause febrile convulsions, which are harmless and will go away on their own.
Adults:
Lower Fever Peaks: In adults, the fever peaks are typically lower than in children. However, fever continues to be an essential sign of infection.Adults may also experience more systemic symptoms, such as body pains, headaches, and fatigue. These symptoms may also be associated with everyday functioning failure.
Chronic Conditions: The fever can sometimes increase the risk of flare-up from underlying chronic conditions, especially those related to the respiratory or cardiovascular system in adults.
Treatment Options at Continental Hospitals
At Continental Hospitals, we understand clearly what happens to your health in a case of viral fever. Our expert team of doctors provides the best medical advancements for the diagnosis and treatment of viral fevers. Here's how we can assist you:
Accurate Diagnosis: We have full-fledged diagnostic services to identify the root cause of your fever, thus ensuring you get effective treatment.
Symptomatic Relief: We provide medications against such symptoms, as well as treatment in terms of fever reducers, hydration therapy, and support care.
Expert Care: Our expert doctors provide specialist management for more serious cases or those with complications, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment.
Preventive Advice: We explain how to prevent future infections or manage chronic conditions that may affect one's health.
24/7 Emergency Care: For urgent cases, our hospitals are well equipped with emergency services. It helps to provide appropriate care when it is most needed.
Conclusion
Viral fever can affect both children and adults. It has various causes and effects, depending on the age group it affects. Knowing the causes and how they differ in effect on different age groups will help to manage and prevent a viral infection. For effective treatment and expert care, Continental Hospitals is your trusted partner in Hyderabad.
For expert care and treatment options for viral fever, Consult our general physician at Continental Hospitals.
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