Follow These Home Remedies For Viral Fever For A Speedy Recovery
Fever is one of the body’s best effective ways of fighting infection. Viral fever is any fever which is caused by an underlying viral illness. From a common cold to the flu, there are various viral infections. Keep reading to know about home remedies for viral fever and when to visit a physician if you have a fever.
You might experience sweating, chills, headache, dehydration, muscle aches and pains, a feeling of weakness or loss of appetite if you have a viral fever. The below-discussed fever home remedies can help manage the symptoms and feel comfortable.
Home Remedies For Viral Fever
Drink Plenty Of Fluids:
It's vital to drink plenty of liquids if you have a fever, as the elevated temperature can cause fluid loss. Other than water, you can have juice, soups, or herbal tea to stay hydrated. If you have a cold, hot liquids may help relieve nasal congestion.
Make your herbal tea: Take twenty fresh leaves of tulsi. Take about five grains of black pepper and a small piece of ginger. Boil them together in the tea and consume the warm liquid.
Tulsi is an age-old ingredient for relieving fever, and it can also help reduce headaches. The presence of compounds such as eugenol, camphene, and cineole in tulsi helps fight viral infections of the respiratory tract. Traditionally ginger is used for colds accompanied by a runny nose, neck and shoulder aches and headache. Black pepper is a source of vitamin C which may shorten the length of a cold and boost immunity.
Try some chicken soup with lots of garlic. The garlic contains allium compounds which may boost the disease-fighting response of some immune cells in the body when they encounter microbes such as viruses.
Have some coconut water. It is rich in electrolytes and can serve as a quick source of energy for the body.
Stay Cool:
Keep the room temperature cool. Sleeping with a light blanket can help you keep yourself cooler. Wearing too many layers may increase the body temperature. Dress in light clothing.
A Coldwater bath will raise the temperature even more. Take a slightly warm bath to help the body cool off.
Sponging the body and the forehead with cold water is common practice in a high fever. You can add one teaspoonful of rose water to the water before sponging.
It's Time To Take A Rest:
Fever can make you super sleepy, and that’s not a bad thing. Plenty of rest helps recover and reduce fever. Even if you can not stay in bed, try to avoid physical activity as it can raise your body temperature.
Sleeping better during fever can help the immune system work better, which in turn could make the infection clear up more quickly. If you feel too tired to even get out of bed, don’t worry. You are doing a favor to your body.
Nutrient-Rich Foods In Fever Home Remedies:
You may lose appetite, but your body needs nutrients and energy more than it normally would. Vitamin C is a vital nutrient to boost the immune system. Include vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C in your diet. Examples are tomatoes, strawberries and citrus fruits. Avoid coffee, soda, and black tea, as they can make you dehydrated. Avoid processed foods and alcohol.
Take OTCs (Over-The-Counter) Medications:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
You may want something which works quickly as fever can make you uncomfortable. Taking the OTC medications can lower your temperature and help relieve head and body aches. Do not give aspirin medication to children as it can lead to a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
Acetaminophen is generally considered safe for children of most ages. Consult the doctor for advice before giving medication to your children. Also, keep in mind that taking medicines doesn’t mean you can bounce back to normal work. Continue to rest well until you fully recover.
What Should I Know About Fever?
Fevers can be beneficial. The hot temperature can damage or kill the temperature-sensitive viruses and bacteria that can make you sick. It is one of the tools of the immune system to fight against infections. But high fever can be problematic to our bodies.
Average body temperature 37°C (98.6°F)
Body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is considered as fever
Visit a physician if your temperature is 39°C (103°F) or higher or if you have had a fever for more than 3 days. If you have a fever accompanied by confusion, trouble breathing, severe pain anywhere in the body, pain when urinating or any other unusual symptoms, visit a physician right away.
A fever is a bigger cause of concern in infants and children; you need to call the physician if your child is:
- Younger than age 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
- Between ages three to six months and has a rectal temperature above 39°C (102°F) and seems irritable or sleepy.
- Between ages six to twenty-four months and has a rectal temperature above 39°C (102°F) that lasts more than 1 day.
- 2 years old and older and has a high fever or has a fever that lasts more than 3 days or has a fever and maintains poor eye contact with you or seems irritable and listless or doesn’t respond to medication.
It's better to take your child if you notice anything unusual along with fever.
Feel More Comfortable With Fever Home Remedies:
Most viral fevers resolve on their own within two days and do not require medical treatment. Self-care at home combined with OTC medications can help you feel comfortable. Remember that serious illnesses such as asthma, strep throat, and sinus infections may resemble the common cold. So, it becomes essential to monitor your temperature frequently when you have a fever. In cases of persistent or high fevers and with unusually severe symptoms, reach out for medical attention.