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Viral Fever Treatment in Indore

Dr. Bansal's Child Specialist Clinic

Viral Fever - Treatment

Viral fever represents a fever caused by viral infections, which is common in both children and adults. It is normally self-limiting, and the treatment is mainly symptomatic, which aims at symptomatic improvement and prevention of complications.

1. Objectives of Treatment

Reduce fever and relieve discomfort

Hydrate and nourish yourself

Avoid complications - such as dehydration, secondary infections.

Strengthen the immune system in order to combat the virus.

2. Causes

Common viral agents include the following:

Influenza viruses (flu)

Rhinoviruses (common cold)

Dengue virus

Chikungunya virus

COVID-19 and Other Coronaviruses

Measles, rubella and other viral infections of childhood

3. Clinical Features

Fever- slight to high

Fatigue, malaise, and body aches

Headache

Chills or sweating

Sore throat, cough, or nasal congestion, depending on the virus

Vomiting, diarrhoea, or rash in some viral infections

Generally self-limiting over 3–7 days.

4. Diagnosis

Clinical examination and history are usually sufficient

Consider laboratory tests if fever persists >7 days or if complications are suspected:

CBC, LFTs, renal functions

The specific viral antigen test or PCR for influenza, dengue, COVID-19, etc.

5. Management

A. Symptomatic and Supportive Care

Relief of fever and pain:

Paracetamol for fever and generalised body ache

Avoid unnecessary use of NSAIDs in dengue due to bleeding risk.

Hydration:

Rehydration with oral rehydration solutions or sufficient intake of water to prevent dehydration

Rest:

Allow the body to recover and decrease energy expenditure

Nutrition:

Light, easy-to-digest meals with sufficient calories and nutrients

Comfort measures include:

Lukewarm sponge baths for high fever

Inhaled humidified air or steam to relieve respiratory symptoms

B. Antiviral Therapy

Only in certain viral infections and then under medical supervision:

Influenza: Oseltamivir

Herpes/varicella: Acyclovir

COVID-19: Antivirals for severe cases or patients at high risk

C. Avoid Unnecessary Medications

Antibiotics are not indicated for viral fever unless there is a secondary bacterial infection.

6. Prevention

Vaccination: Flu, COVID-19, measles, rubella, chicken pox

Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette

Avoid close contact with infected individuals.

Adequate nutrition and sleep to maintain immunity

7. Complications if Untreated

Dehydration

Febrile seizures in children

Secondary bacterial infections: sinusitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection

Rare complications depend on the virus: Encephalitis, myocarditis.

8. Prognosis

Most viral fevers are self-limiting and resolve within 3–7 days.

The majority recover completely with supportive care.

Early identification of warning signs averts complications.

Overview

The management of viral fever is mainly supportive:

Symptomatic relief: Paracetamol, hydration, rest, nutrition

Antiviral therapy, specific: This is only indicated for specific viral infections.

Preventive measures: Vaccination, hygiene, and avoidance of exposure. Monitoring: Watch for signs of warning or complications that warrant medical intervention.