How long does Viral Fever Last?

Are you sure it is a viral fever and not another illness? Don’t worry; we are here to clear your doubts. Let’s first understand the meaning of viral fever!

Viral fever is a term used to describe several viral infections characterised by symptoms such as high fever, nausea, sore throat, vomiting, and body aches. It means the fever in itself is not a problem; it is just a symptom or a side-effect of an underlying infection.

Note that the viral infection can occur in any part of your body, such as your throat, lungs, or intestines. Further, it mainly affects people with weaker immune systems, especially children and the elderly, because of their low immunity.

Coming to the main question: what is the viral fever duration in adults? Here is the answer:

The duration of viral fever depends on various factors, including age, health condition, and immunity of a person. On average, a viral fever can last up to seven days. Further, the viral fever recovery time can vary depending on the medical condition of the patient. It can take anywhere from 3 days to a week to fully recover from a viral fever.

Note that if a viral infection causes the fever, then the patient can take 4-5 days to recover. On the other hand, if the fever is caused due to some kind of bacterial infection, it can last for up to a week and may also intensify the symptoms.

The viral fever symptoms vary depending on the type of infection. If you experience the following symptoms, you are likely to be diagnosed with a viral fever:

• Headaches

• Body aches

• Nausea

• High fever (up to 104 degrees)

• Chills

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

• Face swelling

• Rashes on skin

• Dehydration

• Runny nose

• Joint pains

• Vomiting

Now that you have understood the viral fever duration and its various symptoms, it is essential to know that all the symptoms do not manifest simultaneously. Viral fever goes through four stages:

Incubation Period: The virus enters the body, but the symptoms haven’t appeared yet.

Prodromal Stage: Early symptoms like fatigue, headache and mild fever occur.

Acute Stage: High fever, body aches and other specific symptoms manifest.

Recovery Stage: The fever subsides, and the body begins to heal.

There are plenty of viral fever remedies that will help you treat the infection naturally at home. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about any side effects as you will be using natural ingredients that are easily available. The following are the best home remedies for treating viral fever:

Ginger + Honey Tea

Ginger and honey are two of the most powerful ingredients that can help you overcome viral fever symptoms in an effective way. Both have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can be beneficial for fighting a range of viruses and bacteria. Here is how you can make ginger and honey tea:

Take a 1-½ cup of water and keep it on the stove.

When it starts boiling, add a spoonful of grated ginger and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

Strain the concoction and mix a teaspoon of honey.

Stir it and sip it hot to soothe your sore throat.

Basil Leaves

Basil or tulsi is a holy plant found in every Indian home.

If you have a basil plant at home, don’t underestimate its power. Its leaves are packed with medicinal properties. You can either chew the fresh green leaves on their own or add them to your regular tea. Not only will it reduce your symptoms, but it will also help you recover fast.

Drink Turmeric Milk

Also known as the golden elixir, turmeric milk is the perfect answer to your viral fever. While milk is rich in calcium and other essential nutrients, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Thus, the combination of turmeric and milk helps you fight your illness and improves your immunity. It works great for body aches, colds and coughs.

All you need to do is mix ½ tablespoon of turmeric into a glass of slightly warm milk and drink it before sleeping. Moreover, if you are facing difficulties in sleeping, this remedy will work like a charm for you.

Coriander Seeds Tea

Coriander seeds also make an excellent viral fever treatment. These little seeds are rich in antibacterial properties that help fight viral fever symptoms such as indigestion and runny nose. Here is how to make coriander seed tea:

Boil a glass of water with a tablespoon of coriander seed.

You can also add a tablespoon of fennel seeds to make the tea even more effective and tasty as well. Fennel seeds cool down the stomach and provide relief from gas, acidity and bloating.

Strain the mixture and drink it sip by sip.

Fenugreek Water

Fenugreek water is excellent for building immunity. It has several antiviral properties that help you fight the harmful pathogens residing in your body.

Apart from that, fenugreek water is also great for your skin and hair. It improves digestion and keeps you healthy.

All you need to do is soak a spoonful of fenugreek seeds in a glass of lukewarm water overnight. The next morning, strain and drink this empty stomach in the morning.

Eat Light

Avoid eating oily and junk food if you are suffering from viral fever. This can worsen your symptoms and slow down your recovery. Instead, eat light and homemade meals that are not too heavy on your stomach.

Various home-cooked dishes like moong dal khichdi, whole-wheat daliya, and vegetable soups offer great comfort in viral fever.

Stay Hydrated

Your body gets dehydrated very fast during a viral fever. When it happens, your body temperature increases, causing you much discomfort.

Therefore, it is very important to stay hydrated. For this, drink plenty of water and beverages like herbal teas and soups. Moreover, avoid drinking refrigerated water as it can worsen your infection. If possible, try to drink plenty of lukewarm water. It will soothe your throat and help you deal with chest congestion.

Rest

Resting is very important to cure viral fever. So, avoid doing any physical work and take proper rest. Moreover, if you are tired of being in bed all the time, take short walks and engage in breathing yoga asanas.

If you are experiencing a high fever along with other viral fever symptoms we have discussed above, it is likely to be a viral fever. If your temperature doesn’t come down in a day or two on its own, you should immediately see a doctor, especially in the case of young children and older people.

Note that a high fever can worsen the symptoms and may result in serious complications. Therefore, avoid any delay and consult a trusted doctor as soon as possible.

Although viral fever is common during seasonal changes, it can get serious if not addressed on time. Thus, it is important to take preventive measures and consult your doctor before it gets worse.

This blog has also listed some effective home remedies for the treatment of viral fever. All of these are natural and help in dealing with the viral fever symptoms to a great extent.

Remember, a severe fever can be an indication of an underlying health condition which may require an expensive treatment. This is where a health insurance plan becomes handy.

A medical insurance plan from a reputed provider like Tata AIG can help you deal with the hefty treatment cost and get cashless healthcare service at network hospitals.

So, buy health insurance online today and enjoy all the benefits of health insurance, from cashless treatment or trusted medical care.

Get in touch for more information.

Is viral fever contagious?

Yes, viral fever can spread through an infected person’s direct touch, respiratory droplets, or contaminated food or beverages. Hence, it is advisable to avoid direct contact with the infected person and maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of viral infection.

Is it okay to take antibiotics to treat viral fever?

In most cases, antibiotics are ineffective for treating viral fever as they are primarily designed for the treatment of bacterial infections. Thus, taking antibiotics without consulting a doctor may result in side effects. For more information, get in touch with your healthcare provider.

Is it okay to take a bath when suffering from viral fever?

Yes, you can take a lukewarm bath to relieve some discomfort during viral fever. However, if the infection has escalated and the fever is high, it is better to avoid bathing for a day or two.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is only for informational purposes. No information on this post is intended to be a replacement for professional healthcare advice. It is recommended to consult a certified and trusted healthcare provider for any queries regarding your health issues and before using any home remedy mentioned in this blog.