In children, fever in itself is one of the most common conditions that cause a lot of anxiety in parents. Viral fever is like any other fever that is a result of a viral infection. As the name itself indicates, viral fever is a condition that can be transmitted from one person to other. As the virus enters the body, the immune system is activated, and in an attempt to get rid of the foreign particles that are present in the body, there is an increase in the body temperature.  And children are prone to viral infections more as their immune system is very weak.

Symptoms of Viral Fever

Due to the change in seasons, viral fever is a very common condition. To know if your child has viral fever check if the child is having chills or severe body pains that last a long time.  Following are a few symptoms that will help you find out if your child is suffering from viral fever

• A high fever that is above 100.4 Fahrenheit
• Shivering
• Fever that is recurrent
• Chills and sore throat
• Fatigue
• A runny nose
• Diarrhea

Symptoms that require immediate medical care

If your baby is below 3 months and has a fever about 100.4 Fahrenheit you should look out for immediate medical care. Sometimes it is futile to wait for other symptoms of the viral fever to show as it may not appear in the young babies. Although the viral infections are less alarming than in bacterial infections, it is very tough to distinguish between viral and bacterial fevers. Hence it is better to consult a physician rather than treating them with self-medications or with OTC medicines.

How to protect your child from Viral Fever

Fever is quite common among children and toddlers, especially when there is a season change.  And that is the time when you should take care to boost your child’s immunity.

Following are a few ways your children can be kept away from viral infections

• If a family member or friend is suffering from viral fever, try to tell him/her to maintain the distance from the child.
• Wash your children’s clothes separately
• Encourage your child to wash his/her hands more often
• Try to use natural remedies to ward off the mosquitoes that may cause further complications such as malaria and dengue.

How to treat viral fever in children at home

Many doctors would advise you to manage the symptoms of viral fever rather than getting worried about the temperature

• Ask your child to take plenty of fluids such as water and soups. This will soothe a sore throat and cough. This would also provide energy and nutrients.
• You should also try to bring the temperature down by using a wet sponge. Dip a clean sponge in lukewarm water and put it on your child’s forehead. You should repeat this couple of times
• To combat further dehydration provide ORS
• Ask your child to take complete rest. Plenty of rest can bring a lot of relief to the child.

When should you take your child to the doctor?

You should take your child to the doctor if you notice any of the following:

• You are not able to control the fever
• The child is dehydrated due to vomiting and diarrhea or is not taking enough fluids
• The child has certain specific complaints like earache or sore throat
• Has pain while peeing
• Extremely irritable

Every child gets a fever from time to time and in most cases within a few days, they are completely back to normal. But if you are in doubt what to do when your child has fever, it’s better to take the child to the doctor. The doctor will evaluate the situation and provide the right treatment.