What Is the Connection between Viral Infection and Fever?

A leading cause of fever is the viral infection, a wide range of microscopic organisms that enter the body's openings to wage war on the status quo inside. If someone is suffering from a viral infection and fever, some of the most common culprits are influenza, mononucleosis, pneumonia, appendicitis and various urinary tract disorders. Each of these infections will have a slightly different set of symptoms to help doctors properly treat patients and ease their discomfort.

A fever often is not the only indication of a viral infection. Patients will show the effects of a fever — chills, aching, headache and lethargy. They will also show other symptoms more specific to the particular type of infection they have contracted, from gynecological difficulties and sore throat to nausea and congestion. Rashes also may be evident as well as intermittent sweating, even at night while sleeping.

Some may think they are suffering from a viral infection and fever symptoms when, in fact, some other disorder has caused the body's temperature to rise from its normal 98.6°F (37°C). According to the Mayo Clinic, a viral infection and fever often go together, but other conditions can cause fever too. These include various bacterial infections, heat stroke or exhaustion, malignant tumors, medical side effects, immunizations and sunburn.

Often a blood test will help doctors identify a particular viral infection and fever-reducing medications — usually available over-the-counter — are commonly recommended. Then, physicians may supplement that treatment with an antibiotic known to effectively attack the particular virus a patient has contracted. This combination eases symptoms, while optimizing the body's immunity to destroy the invader.

A suspected viral infection and fever, when accompanied by other more serious symptoms, could indicate the need for immediate medical care. When fevers persist for longer than three or four days, especially above 101°F (38.8°C), a doctor should be asked to intervene. A whole host of other symptoms are triggers for alarm. If the lips or fingernails turn blue or if mental behavior dramatically dips into severe depression or periods of unconsciousness, a patient is likely suffering from a more serious condition or drug interaction. Other serious indicators include hallucination, a painfully stiff neck, persistent headaches, seizures and trouble breathing.