A change in weather can bring respite from the scorching summer heat and chilly winters.However, it is also ideal for catching an infection, especially a viral infection.An acute viral infection can lead to a viral fever, which can lead to severe health problems if not treated on time. Check out the best ways to prevent the occurrence of viral fever.
What is Viral Fever?
Viral fever is an acute viral infection caused by a change in season and infection in the environment. It usually comprises of high temperature along with cold, cough and body ache. It affects people of all ages and is most common during the monsoon season.
Since a viral infection is caused by a virus, it can easily be transmitted from one person to another. While some viral fevers are mild like the one caused due to flu, other viral fevers can be severe like dengue fever.
Mostly, viral fevers can be easily treated through over the counter medicines and cold compresses. The body’s immune system fights the virus and thus, a person takes about 4-5 days to recover. However, hospitalization may be required in severe cases, which is why having a health insurance policy is a must.
Symptoms of a Viral Fever
Here are some of the most common symptoms of a viral fever:
- High body temperature (up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Sore throat
- Running nose
- Occasional chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Muscle and joint pains
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Skin rash
- Face swelling
- Eye redness
How to Prevent Viral Fever?
A virus usually spreads through inhalation, mosquito bites, bodily fluids and ingestion. Here are a few best ways to prevent a viral fever:
1. Wash Your Hands Properly
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating anything. Also, make it a habit to wash your hands as soon as you come home from outside. Hands come in contact with so many surfaces that may consist of a virus. By keeping your hands clean, you can help to keep the virus at bay, thereby, preventing a viral fever. Use a sanitiser in case there is no access to soap and water.
2. Avoid Direct Contact with a Sick Person
You can easily catch a viral infection if you come in direct contact with a sick person. Therefore, you must maintain a distance from a person who is sick to prevent a viral fever. Kids and elderly people should avoid getting in contact with a sick person as they have lower immunity making them vulnerable to catching a viral infection.
3. Prevent Mosquito Bites
A few viral fevers spread through mosquito bites, such as dengue fever. To prevent getting bit by a mosquito, make sure to use mosquito repellent and mosquito nets. You should also shut the doors and windows as soon as the sun sets. Make sure that water is not getting collected at any uncovered place as it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Also, make your kids wear full sleeves clothes or use creams to keep the mosquitoes away.
4. Cover Your Nose and Mouth
One of the easiest ways to catch a viral infection is by inhaling a virus in the air. When a person around you sneezes or coughs, droplets consisting the virus may enter the air that you may easily inhale. If your nose and mouth are appropriately covered, a barrier is created to prevent the virus from entering your body.
Hence, you must cover your nose and mouth every time someone near you sneezes or coughs. Wearing a mask is also a great idea to prevent catching a viral infection that may lead to viral fever.
5. Consume Warm and Healthy Food
Make it a habit to consume warm food to prevent a viral fever. Viruses do not survive in high temperatures and thus, any transmission through food will not happen as long as your food is warm. Also, eat healthy and nutritional food to build your immunity as your body’s immunity system will, ultimately, fight off the viral infection.
6. Get Appropriately Vaccinated
A lot of infections can be prevented by taking appropriate vaccinations on time. For instance, the COVID-19 vaccine can prevent you from catching the coronavirus. Therefore, make sure to receive all the available flu vaccines to prevent the occurrence of viral fever.
Is Viral Fever Covered by Health Insurance in India?
Yes, viral fever is covered by health insurance plans in India. All health insurance plans offer coverage for viral infections resulting from a change in season. The coverage is available after an initial waiting period of 30 days.
The coverage for viral fever in a health insurance policy includes hospitalization expenses, day care treatment expenses, OPD consultation costs, ambulance costs, etc. However, the coverage may vary from one health plan to another and hence, you must check your policy wordings to know the exact coverage.
Dos & Don’ts to Follow During a Viral Fever
Here are some dos and don’ts to be followed during a viral fever:
Dos:
- Use an ice pack to keep your temperature under check
- Take medicines for viral fever as prescribed by the doctor
- Rest properly so that your body can fight off the viral infection
- Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolytes balance
- Eat light and nutritious food that are easy to digest
- Cover your nose and mouth every time you sneeze or cough
Don’ts:
- Do not self-medicate as improper knowledge of medicines and dosage may lead to severe health risks
- Do not expose yourself to extreme temperatures as it will lead to more chills or sweats
- Do not share your food, handkerchief or tissues with others if you are sick
- Do not throw your used tissues anywhere as it can lead to the spread of infection
In a Nutshell
Viral fever is extremely common in monsoons and during weather changes. To prevent a viral fever, make sure to follow the prevention tips mentioned above. In case you do get a viral fever, keep the above-mentioned dos and don’ts in mind for a quick recovery.
