Is Viral Fever Contagious? - Does It Spread or Not?

Viral fever is a fever caused by any viral infection. It indicates that the body has contracted a viral infection and is now trying to fight it. The normal human body temperature is about 97 F or (37 C). If the temperature exceeds that, it's generally considered a viral fever.

Moreover, there are two grades of viral fever. One is low-grade fever, which stays below 100 F. While the other is high-grade fever. It goes above 100 F. For instance, Dengue. The temperature in Dengue reaches around 104 F (or 40 C).

Viral infection can affect any part of the body. If the viral fever persists for more than five days, it can signify a serious viral infection. Therefore, it's best to consult a doctor for a viral diagnosis as soon as possible.

Some of the significant symptoms of viral fever are as follows: 

1. Chills
2. Burning of eyes
3. Muscle pain (myalgia)
4. Redness in eyes
5. Headache
6. Runny nose
7. Fatigue
8. Dizziness (faint, unable to maintain balance)
9. Joint pain (arthralgia)
10. Rashes
11. Loss of appetite

The most common question people search regarding viral fever is: Is viral fever communicable? And Does viral fever spread? 

Here is the reality: Yes, viral fever is highly contagious. It easily spreads through close contact. One of the easiest modes of transmission for viral fever is through respiration. Respiratory droplets from a host (patient) can easily travel to a healthy person if the host sneezes or coughs.

How Does Viral Fever Spread?

There are many ways through which a viral fever can spread (or transmit). These are as follows: 

1. Drug Abuse: If a healthy person shares needles, syringes, or drugs with the infected person, his chances of contracting a viral infection significantly increase. 
2. Bites: Insects and animals are often carriers of viruses. If they bite a healthy person, it may lead to viral fever.  
3. Bodily Fluid: If one maintains physical relations with an infected person, the viral infection may spread. 
4. Foods and Drinks:  Eating foods and drinks contaminated with the virus also spreads viral fever. 
5. Respiratory droplets: Inhaling the respiratory droplets of an infected person spreads viral infection too. 

No doubt, viral fever is contagious. It spread through various modes. But how long viral fever is contagious is a big concern. Keep reading to know the same.

The chances of spreading a viral infection develop before one begins to feel sick. However, the contagiousness period of a viral fever depends on the type of viral infection a patient has caught. 

A few of the viral infections with their periods of spread are as follows: 

1. Common Cold: Its infection spreads from two days before the symptoms show up to five days after their first appearance. 
2. Flu: Flu is infectious for up to 7 days after the contraction. People with weakened immune systems and children might be contagious for more than seven days. 
3. Covid19: The patient is contagious for up to 5 days after contracting the virus. In some cases, the spread period may expand to 10 days. 
4. Measles: One is likely to spread measles up to 4 days after the rashes appear on the body. 
5. Mumps: One can spread mumps before the swelling of glands to 9 days after it. 

Viral fevers are generally not a matter of concern. But in some cases, it can get worse and cause secondary infections. It is best to get a medical checkup done if the fever reaches 104 F to prevent the chances of any mishap.

How is Viral Fever Caused? 

When a virus enters the body, the body tends to play a defence mechanism against it. As a result, the body releases pyrogen. Pyrogen is a body component that raises the body's temperature (commonly referred to as fever) to kill viral antigens. Hence, this is how viral fever is caused.

Viral and bacterial fever possess the same symptoms. Therefore, the doctors first test the patients for a bacterial infection to ensure it's not a bacterial fever. Once the doctors become sure that the fever isn't bacterial, they start conducting tests for the viral infection. 

There are many tests to diagnose a viral fever, including:

1. Urine test
2. Blood test 
3. Sputum test
4. Antibody test
5. WBC count test

Doctors can conduct specific tests for Dengue, Malaria, Covid19, etc. They could also ask for a CT scan or Chest XRay to rule out the possibility of other infections, in certain cases of severe infections.

An infected person is likely to receive the following treatment for viral infection:

1. Ibuprofen or Paracetamol - To lower body temperature and relieve body pain
2. Antibiotics - To prevent secondary infection
3. Electrolyte solution - To maintain body fluids 
4. Immunity Boosters (Zinc & Vitamin C) - To boost immunity

To prevent a viral infection, follow the points given below:

1. Avoid close contact with an infected person
2. Do not share any personal care items, food, or clothes with someone
3. Avoid travelling to areas where the infection is prevailing
4. Use mosquito repellents, and mosquito nets, and wear full clothes to avoid getting bitten by an insect or animal.

Viral fever is an infectious fever prevalent worldwide. The fever is highly contagious and spreads through close contact. Although it's not life-threatening, it can still take a toll on a patient's life in certain cases. Hence, it would be best if you do not overlook it.

With that said, get a diagnostic test done today. You can also contact us for the diagnosis and treatment of viral fever. We have a talented team of doctors with an unmatchable experience. Visit our website, HexaHealth, for a FREE consultation call RIGHT NOW!