Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is viral syndrome?
- Symptoms
- What are the symptoms of viral syndrome?
- Diagnosis
- How do doctors diagnose viral syndrome?
- Cause
- What causes viral syndrome?
- Treatment
- How to treat viral syndrome?
- Home remedies
- What can be done to speed up the healing of viral syndrome?
Definition
What is viral syndrome?
Viral syndrome is a symptom that occurs due to an infection caused by a virus. Viruses spread easily through the air and goods that are shared.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of viral syndrome?
Symptoms of viral syndrome can appear slowly and gradually, or suddenly. It can last several hours, it could be up to days. It can be mild, it can be severe, and it can fluctuate within hours or days. Some examples of the symptoms are:
- Fever and chills
- Runny or blocked nose
- Cough, sore throat, or hoarseness
- Headache, or pain / pressure around the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Abdominal pain, stomach cramps, diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
There may be symptoms not listed above. Consult your doctor for information about other symptoms.
Diagnosis
How do doctors diagnose viral syndrome?
Apart from asking about your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will sometimes order the following tests:
- Culture test: A sample of mucus from the nose, feces, or urine will be taken and checked for what virus is causing your illness.
- Blood test
- Chest x-rays to check for lung infection and the presence of fluid around the heart or lungs
Cause
What causes viral syndrome?
Viral syndrome is caused by a virus, but you can be at an increased risk of developing this syndrome if:
- Old age
- Your immune system is weak due to certain diseases or after an organ transplant
- You smoke or are around smokers a lot
- You travel a lot
- You are swimming in a pool that is not properly chlorinated
Treatment
The information below cannot be used as a substitute for a medical consultation. ALWAYS consult your doctor for information about medications.
How to treat viral syndrome?
Diseases caused by viruses usually resolve on their own in 10-14 days without the need for any treatment. However, the following medicines can be used to relieve the symptoms:
- Antipyretics to reduce fever
- Antihistamines to treat itching or shortness of breath
- Decongestants to treat congestion
- Antitussive to suppress cough
- Antiviral drugs to kill viruses
Home remedies
What can be done to speed up the healing of viral syndrome?
The following things can be done to help overcome viral syndrome:
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from viral syndrome, especially if you are vomiting or have diarrhea. Ask your doctor if you need to consume electrolyte fluids. Don't drink caffeinated drinks, as caffeine can actually worsen dehydration.
- Get enough rest to help the body's healing process. Sleep and rest throughout the day and leave work or school first.
- If you have trouble breathing due to a congested nose or pressure on your chest, use a humidifier.
- Consume honey or lozenges without sugar to treat sore throats.
- Stop smoking and avoid places with cigarette smoke. Smoking can slow down the healing process of the disease.
- Wash your hands regularly to prevent spreading germs to other people. Use soap and water, or hand sanitizer if water isn't available. Always wash your hands after going to the bathroom, using the toilet, coughing, sneezing, and before eating or cooking.
Please consult your doctor for more information.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.
