The term "viral fever" refers to fever which is offset by a virus.
Some of the typical symptoms, are high fever, joint pains, stomach cramps and indigestion, cough and cold, skin rash, weakness, and low energy levels.
All symptoms may not surface in the individual, but of the list given, over half of the symptoms are likely to surface.
Although viral fevers are said to be untreatable by antibiotics and must run their natural course, it is always advisable to consult a doctor, as the symptoms may go out of limits of forbearance and safety.
A patient of viral fever needs complete rest, and must not be encouraged to leave the house.
Sometimes, the fever may rise much above the desired level and become dangerous for the patient.
Also, the inherent weakness that this fever brings, may cause spells of dizziness, fainting, or even vomiting.
Stomach upsets, akin to diarrhea, are also a feature of this debilitating illness.
When the fever tends to cross 100 deg.
F mark, the patient's body must be cooled down by applying a cool compress on the forehead.
This is done by dipping a handtowel or soft cloth in cool water, rinsing and wringing it, and leaving the damp cloth spread on the patient's forehead.
The patient should drink plenty of fluids at this point, for an overall cooling down of the system is much desired.
Do not cover the patient with a blanket.
Covering the body will merely trap the heat and cause the fever to rise.
Keeping the window a little ajar for some fresh air to enter the room is also a good idea.
If the fever becomes difficult to manage even with medicines and cold compress, then the patient should be told to have a bath or given a wet sponge treatment for the entire body.
During an outbreak of viral fever, often the first thing that takes a beating is the digestive system.
Loose motions may also be triggered off due to the antibiotics taken to combat viral fever.
In any case, the intake of fluid must be stepped up.
Water, tender coconut water, juice of sweet fresh lime, soups and stews are ideal for the patient at this point.
Here, the stress of the food must be on quality rather than quantity.
An additional and regular dose of a multi-vitamin pill, and an antacid to combat the harsh effect of the medicines may also be taken.
Most viral infections occur from inhalation of contaminated air, consumption of infected water or food.
Hence, observing rules of hygiene are a must in tackling this illness.
When a viral infection is rampant in your city, it is best to keep washing your hands, sneezing into a clean handkerchief, consuming home cooked food, and drinking water from a safe source.
Avoiding contact with people who are suffering already, and keeping an infected person's utensils separate is also a good idea, as traces of infection may linger on the person's plate, glass or spoon.
The important point to note is,that in case the medication is left half way, then that in itself is a risk.
Antibiotics do not react kindly when given in incomplete dose, and there may be the occurrence of the fever relapsing, which most often is a harsher and more stubborn version of the original bout of high temperature.
By keeping in mind these simple rules, it is easy to come out of a spell of viral fever.