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Dec 28, 2023 · Loss of taste or smell. Wheezing. Signs of the flu. The flu tends to make people more miserable than a cold. One of the first signs that it’s not a cold is its sudden onset. Within hours, you go from feeling fine to feeling terrible. If you have the flu, your symptoms may include: Body and muscle aches. Chills.
- Overview
- What are the symptoms of a viral fever?
- What causes a viral fever?
- How is a viral fever diagnosed?
- How are viral fevers treated?
- Should I see a doctor?
- The bottom line
A viral fever is any fever that’s caused by an underlying viral illness. Normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). Anything a degree above this is considered a fever.
A variety of viral infections can affect humans, from the common cold to the flu. A low-grade fever is a symptom of many viral infections. But some viral infections, such as dengue fever, can cause a higher fever.
Viral fevers can range in temperature from 99°F to over 103°F (39°C), depending on the underlying virus.
If you have a viral fever, you might have some of these general symptoms:
•chills
•sweating
•dehydration
•headache
A viral fever is caused by infection with a virus. Viruses are very small infectious agents. They infect and multiply within the cells of your body. A fever is your body’s way of fighting off a virus. Many viruses are sensitive to shifts in temperature, so a sudden increase in your body temperature makes you less hospitable to viruses.
There are many ways that you can become infected with a virus, including:
•Inhalation. If someone with a viral infection sneezes or coughs near you, you can breathe in droplets containing the virus. Examples of viral infections from inhalation include the flu or common cold.
•Ingestion. Food and drinks can be contaminated with viruses. If you eat them, you can develop an infection. Examples of viral infections from ingestion include norovirus and enteroviruses.
•Bites. Insects and other animals can carry viruses. If they bite you, you can develop an infection. Examples of viral infections that result from bites include dengue fever and rabies.
•Bodily fluids. Exchanging bodily fluids with someone who has a viral infection can transfer the illness. Examples of this type of viral infection include hepatitis B and HIV.
Both viral and bacterial infections often cause similar symptoms. To diagnose a viral fever, a doctor will likely start by ruling out a bacterial infection. They can do this by considering your symptoms and medical history, as well as taking any samples to test for bacteria.
If you have a sore throat, for example, they might swab your throat to test for bacteria that causes strep throat. If the sample comes back negative, you likely have a viral infection.
In most cases, viral fevers don’t require any specific treatment. Unlike bacterial infections, they don’t respond to antibiotics.
Instead, treatment usually focuses on providing relief from your symptoms. Common treatment methods include:
•taking over-the-counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce a fever and its symptoms
•resting as much as possible
•drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and replenish fluids lost while sweating
•taking antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), when applicable
In many cases, a viral fever isn’t anything to worry about. But if you have a fever that reaches 103°F (39°C) or higher, it’s best to call a doctor. You should also call a doctor if you have a baby with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Learn more about managing fevers in babies.
If you have a fever, keep an eye out for the following symptoms, which all indicate a need for medical treatment:
•severe headache
•difficulty breathing
•chest pain
•abdominal pains
A viral fever refers to any fever that results from a viral infection, such as the flu or dengue fever. While most viral fevers resolve on their own within a day or two, some are more severe and require medical treatment. If your temperature starts reading 103°F (39°C) or higher, it’s time to call a doctor. Otherwise, try to get as much rest as possible and stay hydrated.
Read this article in Spanish.
Nov 23, 2022 · What are the symptoms of a viral infection? Symptoms of a viral infection depend on where you’re infected, but some common ones include: Flu-like symptoms: fever, head and body aches, fatigue. Upper respiratory symptoms: sore throat, cough, sneezing. Digestive symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Skin conditions: rashes, sores, blisters, warts.
Nov 22, 2023 · Common cold symptoms tend to come on fairly quickly, explained Chin-Hong. If you get RSV, on the other hand, it may take 4 to 6 days before symptoms show. Flu viruses are a totally different story ...
Nov 30, 2022 · Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms and come on quickly. Symptoms of flu include sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, and cough. Swine flu in ...
Oct 26, 2023 · Congestion or a runny nose is normal for the common cold and would be uncommon as the only symptom for influenza. Congestion/runny nose can be a symptom of a COVID infection and might be the only symptom in mild cases. Flu symptoms often come on quickly. COVID symptoms can be of rapid or more gradual onset. Says Washer, one symptom that used to ...
People also ask
What is a viral fever?
Can a bacterial infection cause a viral fever?
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Are flu symptoms more severe than cold symptoms?
Can a viral infection cause a high fever?
Oct 15, 2024 · Overview. A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (also called an upper respiratory infection or URI). Colds usually last less than a week and are caused by different respiratory viruses. They are also one of the most frequent reasons for missed school and work. Every year in the United States, adults have an average of two ...
