Although not everyone infected with a virus gets a fever, a fever might be an indication that the body is attempting to fight off the virus. Viral fever is an elevated body temperature brought on by a virus. With patience and supportive therapies like cold compresses and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, the majority of viral diseases will be over. An excessively high body temperature, however, can necessitate medical treatment. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, treatment, and whether viral fever is covered under health insurance.
Let’s Talk More About Viral Fever
Viral fever is defined as a fever induced by a virus or an underlying viral disease. When your body temperature is higher than normal, or 98.6°F (37°C), you are considered to have a fever. As your body attempts to combat bacterial or viral infection, a fever develops. In other words, your fever is referred to as a "viral fever" if a viral infection is the cause.
The monsoon season is when viral fevers are most prevalent and can range in severity from low to severe. While some viral illnesses, such as the common cold, resulting in a low-grade fever, others, such as dengue fever, induce a very high fever. The typical duration of a viral fever is between 4-5 days and 14 days.
While viral fever is not seen as a serious condition, it may be a sign of a viral infection underneath. Ignoring the fever could have serious health repercussions. Therefore, if your fever lasts more than two to three days, you should see a doctor.
Viral Fever Symptoms
To rule out the chance of a bacterial infection, your doctor may urge you to obtain a blood test if any symptoms appear. The doctor will attempt to identify the origin of your viral fever after ruling out a bacterial infection before beginning therapy. Symptoms of a viral fever may include one or more of the following:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Congestion in the nose or a runny nose
- Sore throat
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Appetite loss
- Dizziness
- Vomiting/nausea
- Muscle/joint pain
- Diarrhoea
- Sweating
- Eye irritation or burning
- Rashes on the skin
- A swollen face
The Roots of Virus Fever
A virus that has invaded your body and infected the cells causes viral fever. As a result, your body temperature goes up and makes you shiver. The following are some potential causes of viral fever:
Close Contact
Being close to someone who has the virus can result in viral fever. The infected individual may exhibit symptoms or may only be a carrier with no symptoms..
By Inhaling
Breathing in the virus from the air can result in this fever. If someone nearby sneezes or coughs, virus-carrying droplets may float in the air, and you could possibly end up breathing them.
Sharing Food
If you ingest food that has been consumed by someone who has a virus, you run the risk of developing a viral fever. This is due to the fact that eating will allow the virus-containing saliva of the infected person to enter your body.
Bites
Mosquito or bug bites are another frequent source of viral fever. You could develop a viral fever if you get bitten by a mosquito or other insect carrying a virus. Fever can also result from consuming food that has been contaminated by mice and insects.
Water Contamination
Viral fever can develop after drinking water that has been infected with a virus, especially in young children.
Body Fluids
If you come into intimate contact with the bodily fluids of someone who is virus-infected, you could develop a viral fever.
Therapy for Viral Fever
There is no specific treatment for viral fevers. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat viral infections, unlike bacterial infections. As a result, medical professionals often address your symptoms. An advantage is that a minor viral fever could go away by itself. However, if you have a high temperature, you can be prescribed medication to treat the symptoms. Based on the symptoms, the following are some of the most popular viral fever treatments:
Medication
To treat symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, diarrhoea, etc., doctors may prescribe over-the-counter medications.
Fluid Intake
To stay hydrated, you might be told to drink lots of liquids. The use of ORS may also be suggested in order to maintain the body's electrolyte equilibrium.
Lukewarm Bath
To lower the excessive temperature, it may be advisable to take a lukewarm bath.
Resting
Your doctor might encourage you to get as much rest as you can so that your body has time to repair.
Does Health Insurance Cover Viral Fever?
Yes. In India, the cost of treating viral fever is covered under all health insurance plans. According to the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, any medical ailment or complication resulting from the viral fever would also be covered.
Depending on the plan you choose, a health insurance policy can provide coverage for medical costs associated with outpatient department (OPD) visits, hospital stays, medications, daycare treatments, diagnostic tests, ambulance fees, etc.
The protection, though, won't start on the first day of the policy. This is due to the initial 30-day waiting period that is a part of all health insurance plans. When your waiting time is up, you can file a health insurance claim to have the cost of viral fever treatment paid by your mediclaim policy.
Conclusion
Mainly during the monsoon season, viral fever spreads. If you have any viral fever symptoms, you should keep an eye on your health and visit a doctor if they persist for more than a few days.
Make sure you are aware of the causes of viral fever and take preventative measures against the same. Additionally, you won't have to be concerned about paying for the expense of the viral fever's treatment if you have health insurance.
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