Viral fever in monsoon can destroy your daily routine and make you immensely ill. Well, every season brings with it a bunch of blues along with a bagful of bouquets. While there are many things to rejoice about, there are some things to be careful about. Similar is the case with the monsoon season. The arrival of rains gives respite from the scorching heat of summer; weather becomes cool, romantic, and colourful umbrellas, and raincoats come out of your closet.
While monsoon season cools down mother earth and fills up dams and rivers, it also opens Pandora’s Box of health ailments and infections. The dampness and humidity in this reason is the right medium for germs to multiply and cause a host of diseases and health problems. Viral fever is the most common illness seen during the monsoon season.
What is a viral fever?
You are said to have a fever when your body temperature rises above normal reading of 98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C. The rise in temperature is a way of indicating that body’s immunity is compromised, and it is trying to fight off some infections caused by bacteria or virus.
You get a viral fever when the fever is caused by an infection from a virus. There are many types of virus which can attack the body, causing a host of different illness. The implications may range from low-grade fever to more serious diseases like dengue, chicken guinea, etc.
Symptoms of viral fever
Symptoms range from mild to severe depending upon the category of virus causing the infection. However, general symptoms include:
1) Low-grade or high-grade fever
2) Chills
3) Nausea
4) Aches in body parts like the legs, hands, joints, etc.
5) Vomiting
6) Headache
7) Dizziness
8) Sweating
9) Inflamed tonsils
10) Running nose
11) Congestion in throat
12) Sore throat
13) Coughing
14) Sneezing
15) Rashes on skin
16) Diarrhoea
17) Loss of appetite
18) Weakness
19) Dehydration
20) Burning in eyes
Not all the above symptoms occur together. A person may exhibit only a few of these symptoms when infected.
How does it spread?
Viral fever is rampant during monsoon season because it offers the perfect weather to breed and multiply germs. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they expel droplets carrying the virus into the atmosphere around them. When a normal person breathes this air, he gets infected with the virus. This is how viral infection is spread from one person to another.
When a person is down with viral fever, the symptoms take a toll on his health. The tremendous weakness and unbearable body pain affect the routine. There is also the risk of spreading the illness to other family members. So, it is always better to take precautionary measures and keep yourself safe from viral fever.
Precautionary measures
If you have already contracted the infection, avoid spreading it to other people. Cover your mouth and nose with a clean handkerchief while coughing or sneezing.
To reduce the chances of getting sick this monsoon, follow these tips:
Always wash your hands with disinfectant after coming in contact with an infected person.
Wash hands thoroughly before eating.
1) If there is a sick person at home, clean floors, door handles, towels, and bed linen using disinfectant soap.
2) Avoid going to crowded places. If it is necessary to go, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief.
3) Avoid having food in open areas.
4) Drink enough water and keep yourself hydrated.
5) Avoid getting drenched in the rain.
6) Use sanitizers to clean hands while travelling.
7) Exercise daily. It makes your body fit and helps combat infections.
8) Take enough rest and sleep for 7-8 hours. Sleep deprived body is immunity compromised.
9) Keep the surroundings clean.
Home Remedies to Combat Viral Fever
There are certain home remedies you can follow to pep up your immunity and keep infections at bay:
Turmeric: Turmeric milk or more popularly called as “golden milk” is touted as the saviour of infections in general because it is a great immunity booster, anti-inflammatory and has anti-microbial properties.
Basil (Tulsi): Basil has antiviral properties, which can prevent as well as help in curing viral fever. You can chew on basil leaves directly or brew a tea out of it.
Coriander seeds: Known to be rich in essential vitamins and phytonutrients, coriander seeds are excellent to ward off infections as well as treat them. You can make a tea of these seeds or simply mix with water and drink.
Fenugreek seeds: Soak fenugreek seeds in water and let it remain overnight. Drinking this at regular intervals will give you relief from viral symptoms.
Ultimately, the key to good health is good food, exercise, and enough rest. If you notice the above symptoms persisting, please visit a doctor and get treatment to avoid complications.
