Viral fever is an increase in basal body temperature caused by a viral infection, which may be accompanied by other symptoms. It is usually self-limiting but can cause complications, especially in vulnerable groups. Transmission occurs through inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact. Fever helps limit viral infection, but moderate or severe fever requires medical attention.
In medical terminology, the increase in basal body temperature due to a viral infection is called a viral fever. The actual virus causing the fever may or may not be identifiable. A viral fever may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, red eyes, malaise, irritability, joint and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes. Most of the time, a viral fever resolves after three to seven days and is considered benign and self-limiting. It can, however, cause complications, particularly among the very young, very old, and the immunocompromised.
Transmission of a particular virus usually occurs when a person inhales aerosolized particles, eats or drinks contaminated food or water, or is in direct contact with another infected person. Some viruses are spread through direct inoculation or sexual contact. Viruses can affect a particular organ and medical symptoms can be localized to that organ. For example, adenoviruses and rhinoviruses affect the upper respiratory tract, causing upper respiratory tract infections, while rotaviruses and noroviruses affect the gastrointestinal tract, causing gastroenteritis or diarrhea. After the virus has spread locally, it is carried in the blood or lymph and is eventually fought off by the immune system.
A viral fever occurs because substances such as prostaglandins, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are released from activated lymphocytes and macrophages. Fever occurs when these substances stimulate the hypothalamus to reset the body temperature set point to a higher level. Paracetamol, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are able to reduce fever because they prevent the synthesis of prostaglandins.
Also, a viral fever plays an important role in helping limit the viral infection. It is hypothesized that as body temperature rises, special proteins called heat shock proteins (HSPs) are activated to enhance the response of lymphocytes to the infecting virus. Fever between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius (100.4-102.2 degrees Fahrenheit) is classified as a low-grade fever, and between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius (102.2 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit) is classified as a moderate fever. A high fever occurs when the body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Hyperpyrexia occurs when the body temperature reaches 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and above.
A viral fever may be helpful, but a fever rated as moderate or severe is cause for concern. Measures to lower the temperature, such as taking antipyretic drugs and cold baths, should be administered to the patient. In particular, hyperpyrexia is considered a medical emergency because it reaches the limit of what is compatible with life.
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