Treatment, Prevention and Complications of Viral Fever

Usually viral fever goes off within a week or ten days. However, severe cases of viral fever may lead to various complications.

Updated: September 27, 2017

A viral fever generally lasts for 3 to 4 days. In case of a severe infection it can last for 10 days or longer. The duration of the viral infection depends on the type of virus as well as the age and health status of the infected person.

If you suffer from recurrent viral fever , you have been infected by different types of viruses at different stages. This is because you are infected by a virus, you cannot be infected by the same virus again because your body makes antibodies for that specific virus which fight the virus before it has a chance to infect you once again.

Treatment of Viral Fever:

The treatment for viral fever is based on relieving the symptoms of the infection. Antipyretic drugs are recommended to control your fever, if your temperature is very high. Analgesic drugs are recommended if you have severe muscle, joint, or body aches to relieve the pain. If your viral fever is due to a respiratory infection, you can use a nasal decongestant and if it is due to a stomach infection, you can have a probiotic supplement.

Antibiotic will have no effect on the virus and in fact, these may be more susceptible to secondary infections and other side effects such as acidity, stomach disturbance and in more severe cases damage to your liver and kidneys. Therefore do not try to self-medicate using an antibiotic without consulting a doctor. Always complete the entire course of the medication, even if you are feeling better. This is because discontinuation of antibiotics midway leads to the formation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which is a risk factor. In future for any illness when you will be prescribed antibiotics, some of them might not work for you due to the presence of the resistant bacteria in your body.

Foods like soups, idlis and khichdi which are easy to digest are advisable when you have viral fever. You can also have power packed yogurt to boost your energy levels.

Prevention of Viral Fever:

Boost your immune system to prevent viral fever so that it can fight off any infectious viruses. This can be done by following a balanced diet, drinking enough water, regular exercise and a sound sleep. Make sure that your daily diet contains the essential nutrients such as zinc and vitamin C which helps preventing infections.

Make it a habit of 20 to 30 minute morning walk to get vitamin D from the sunshine, which will strengthen your immune system and prevent viral fever and viral infections. Sleep for 7-8 hours a day and follow a regular sleep schedule to avoid health issues.

Complications of Viral Fever:

Usually viral fever goes off within a week or ten days. However, severe cases of viral fever may lead to various complications. Below are the complications of viral fever.