Mohsin Khaiyam (Senior Sub Editor)
Viral fever is a commonly occurring ailment that inflicts a large number of people from time to time. It occurs due to infections caused by germs that are believed to easily spread from one person to another. Most viral fevers go away within a few days. However, it is best to take due care and precautions at home to prevent the disease from spreading further. If you or any of your loved ones are suffering from viral fever, here are a few steps you can take to find relief at home:
- Opt for easily digestible foods.
- Soothe a sore throat by gargling with saltwater.
- Take a bath. Shower to alleviate muscle discomfort.
- Get some rest, as your body needs time to recover from the fever.
- Stay away from caffeine and alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can provide relief for coughs and sore throats.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, as viral fevers can cause dehydration as complication.
- Keep yourself as cool as possible by wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding blankets. You can also take a bath or shower. Utilise fans for air circulation.
If you are looking for home remedies, you can also follow the below options to give you some relaxation:
1. Ginger Tea
Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. To prepare ginger tea, steep a few fresh slices of ginger in hot water for 5–10 minutes. If desired, add honey to enhance its taste.
2. Garlic Tea
Garlic tea might sound unusual, but garlic contains a lot of antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Use cloves of garlic in hot water for 5–10 minutes and add honey according to your preference to make a nice cup of tea.
3. Honey
We used honey in both tea options because honey is rich in antibacterial and antiviral attributes that can aid in soothing a sore throat. You may consume it on its own or mix it with anything.
While these are only a few options, they might give you relief for a while, but they will not cure you promptly. Hence, resting has been suggested as the key option.
Now, if you are running a fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher or experiencing symptoms like a neck rash or difficulty breathing, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Most viral fevers go away on their own within a few days, but if your symptoms get worse, see a doctor.
Having said that, if you encounter early fever symptoms, you can resort to these home relief measures to prevent the symptoms from aggravating any further. It is best to cure the ailment by natural means rather than resorting to chemical-based medicines, as the pills you frequently pop come with a whole range of side effects at their disposal.
We hope you find our suggestions useful. For more, keep a tab on our Health & Fitness section and be tuned for more articles.
