{"id":16292,"date":"2020-04-23T06:00:24","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T06:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=16292"},"modified":"2021-05-07T19:21:39","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T19:21:39","slug":"14-frequent-symptoms-of-viral-infections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-frequent-symptoms-of-viral-infections\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Frequent Symptoms of Viral Infections"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Viruses are tiny agents that reside inside of living cells. These cells are the host cells. In order to reproduce or replicate, a virus has to have a host cell. There are numerous viruses, with some being more common than others. The Flu and the common cold are both caused by viruses. HIV and ebola are also viruses. A viral infection is often minor in a regular healthy individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, those who have weakened immune systems might experience severe symptoms as a result of a virus. Almost any type of virus can lead to sepsis developing. Sepsis is a type of blood poisoning and is a result of the body\u2019s response to an infection. Viruses can be quite serious and should not be taken lightly. Here are some of the most common symptoms of many viral infections that you should know and understand. It is important to note that not all viruses react in the body the same way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Fever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A fever <\/a>is a sign that your body is fighting off some type of infection. The fever may be mild or may get quite high, depending on the type of viral infection that you have. The fever may be low and mild at first. As the symptoms persist, the fever may get very high. Some people who have a viral infection might experience body temperatures as high as 105 degrees F. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developing a high fever is more common with a bacterial infection, but viruses cause fevers as well.  If your fever becomes too high it can cause many other health issues, so it is important to keep your fever under control using over the counter medications, cool baths, and other methods to bring it down. You should also seek medical attention right away if your fever goes above 102 degrees F as these are very dangerous body temperature levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Muscle Aches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a virus <\/a>takes over the body, a person will likely experience muscle aches. It is common for someone suffering from an illness such as the flu to experience muscle pain all throughout the body. At times, a person may feel like they cannot move at all because their muscles hurt so badly. The cause of the muscle aches will depend on the type of viral infection that they are suffering from. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who have viral pneumonia may experience muscle aches because they are simply not getting enough oxygen to the muscles of the body. These aches can be quite severe and might last for several days. The most important thing that you can do if you are suffering from muscle aches is to get as much rest as you possibly can. This will allow your body the time it needs to heal. Since there are no medications that can be taken to treat a viral infection, rest and plenty of fluids is the best course of action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Cough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another common symptom of a viral infection is a cough<\/a>. The cough could be dry and raspy and even cause wheezing. Other times, a person suffering from a viral infection may have a cough that is productive and bringing up phlegm and other fluids from the lungs. Coughs can be quite persistent and depending on the type of virus that a person has they might last for several days or even weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a cough is persistent for more than seven days it is a good idea to go to your doctor to determine the underlying cause. Over the counter, cough medications can often help alleviate this symptom for a short amount of time. Often, these medications will give you enough relief so that you can get some sleep, which is what your body needs in order to heal. Your doctor might prescribe other medications depending on what is causing you to cough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Sore Throat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is not uncommon for a person to experience a sore throat<\/a>. In fact, there are many types of bacteria and viruses that can cause a person to have a sore throat. A common cold or the flu can cause a person to develop a sore throat. However, if you have a chronic sore throat and have the feeling that there is something stuck in the back of your throat, it could be a sign of some type of oral cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A chronic sore throat is a sign that there is something very wrong and you likely need to talk to your doctor about the underlying cause of this symptom. It could be something as minor as a virus that will go away with treatment or it could be something much more serious. A doctor will be able to determine what is causing your throat to be sore and will order the proper tests to determine exactly what is causing your pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Headaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Having a headache <\/a>can be quite annoying. It will make everything more difficult to do as you simply want to lay down until it goes away. While a headache can be caused by numerous different things and it is quite normal to have headaches every once in a while, this symptom is a sign that there is something else wrong in the body. A headache that is persistent could be a symptom of a viral infection such as the flu.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often times, when a person has the flu and is suffering from a headache, it is because they are not taking in enough fluids. This can lead to headaches as the body starts to get dehydrated. Drinking water and taking over the counter medications can help with the headache, but chances are if you are suffering from a headache and the other symptoms on this list, you have some type of viral infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Confusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you are suffering from some of the symptoms related to a viral infection, such as shortness of breath, fever, chills, etc, it can cause parts of the body to stop functioning properly. When your body is not getting enough oxygen <\/a>some of the less important areas of the body will start to shut down. This is to help keep you alive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are running a high fever as a result of a viral infection, there is a chance that you might become confused or possibly delirious. If you are struggling with reality and feel like you are slipping in and out of consciousness, it could be a sign that you have a serious viral infection. It is important to make sure that you go to your doctor as soon as possible in order to find out what is causing you to feel this way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Joint Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pain in the joints <\/a>is quite common. In fact, many people suffer from joint pain from time to time. As we age, these pains might come more frequently. However, if you notice that your joints are sore and you have some of the other symptoms on this list, there is a really good chance that you have a viral infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on what type of virus you have, the pain in your joints might be severe. It is possible that the joint pain will come and go. Just like muscle pain, joint pain is something that you should not ignore. Chances are that you are not going to feel much like moving around, which is not a bad thing as you really need to rest when you are suffering from a viral infection or any other type of disease as this is the best way to allow your body time to heal.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Rash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A rash <\/a>can be caused by many different things. Some people have an allergic reaction to a food or other item and this causes a rash to develop on the skin. Other people might get a rash when they are running a fever. Rashes can even be caused by the sun. If you are not feeling very well and you notice a rash developing anywhere on your body, there is a good chance that you are suffering from a viral infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rash that you develop could be small or large and can be in any area of the body that is infected. It might be raised or flat and it could itch or not bother you at all. Skin rashes are something that will often go away on their own, but in some cases, the rash might become severe. Your doctor will be able to determine the best course of treatment if you develop any type of rash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are some viruses that will affect the gastrointestinal system. Most of the time people who feel nauseous and are vomiting will have what is referred to as the stomach flu. This is caused when bad bacteria or viruses enter the digestive system<\/a>. Your body is going to do what it can to get rid of the foreign bodies. You may simply not have an appetite for a couple of days. Some people will vomit for several hours and then feel much better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These types of bugs will often go away quite quickly but can be quite severe at the time they are happening. If you have prolonged nausea and vomiting, it is a good idea to go to your doctor in order to determine the underlying cause. Prolonged vomiting can be a sign of something serious, which is why it is essential to speak to your medical professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Chills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It may seem odd that a person would develop chills <\/a>when they have a virus, especially since another common symptom is a fever. However, fever and chills often go hand in hand. A person may be burning up one minute and then freezing cold the next. It is quite common for someone who has the flu to develop chills. There are periods of time that a person might feel like they can never be warm again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This typically occurs when a fever breaks and the body rapidly cools itself down. A fever and then chills are quite common and anyone that is suffering from this likely has a viral infection of some type. If you are suffering from chills and also have several of the other symptoms on this list, there is a good chance you have have a viral infection. Rest, plenty of liquids, and over the medications are often the best remedy for this type of infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fatigue <\/a>can be a sign of many different health issues. Fatigue is not the same as simply being tired from not getting enough rest. A person who has fatigue feels like they simply cannot perform even the simplest of tasks. Someone who has a viral infection may experience extreme fatigue. The infection can be anywhere in the body, including the lungs. When the virus enters the lungs it can make it more difficult to breathe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can make it difficult to get oxygen to the areas of the body that need it. Every organ and muscle needs oxygen in order to perform at its optimal level. If your body is not getting enough oxygen because it is difficult to breathe, areas of the body will start to shut down. It is important to make sure that you are getting plenty of rest while you have a viral infection as this will help your body heal faster and get you back to doing normal tasks much sooner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Convulsions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are some types of viral infections that can become quite severe. When the virus takes over the body it can create all sorts of issues. From the lungs <\/a>and other organs not functioning properly to severe aches and pains. A person who has a severe viral infection will likely be experiencing most of the symptoms on this list. In addition, a high fever can cause a person to convulse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Convulsions can be quite terrifying as you will likely not know what is going on in your body. Viral infections can become severe very quickly. While rest and liquids are the best way to cure a viral infection, if you are not feeling better after a couple of days, it is a good idea to visit your doctor to determine what exactly is wrong. A high fever can be dangerous fast, so treatment is very important from early on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Diarrhea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Viral infections can cause irritation throughout the digestive system. As mentioned, vomiting and nausea are common symptoms of viral infections. In addition, a person suffering from a viral infection might also experience diarrhea<\/a>. Once again, this is the body\u2019s way of trying to get rid of the foreign body that is invading. Not only do viral infections cause diarrhea, but a person might also develop other digestive issues as well. This includes heartburn and an overall feeling of uneasiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At times, vomiting and diarrhea will coincide, which can be extremely unpleasant. If you are suffering from digestive issues as a result of a viral infection one of the most important things you can do is try to stay hydrated. As your body is removing liquids from the body, you need to replace them. It can be difficult to do so, but staying hydrated is the best way to help your body heal, along with getting plenty of rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Dehydration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dehydration <\/a>is not necessarily a symptom of a viral infection, but rather a side effect. A person who is suffering from a viral infection will often have difficulty eating and drinking. Of course, this depends on the type of virus that they are suffering from. Viruses that cause digestive issues will often cause a person to become dehydrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because it becomes almost too difficult to try to eat or drink anything while you are feeling so poorly. Even if you feel like you cannot possibly even keep down a sip of water, it is important to continue to try. The reason for this is because if you become dehydrated it can actually make your symptoms much worse. If you are dehydrated, you will need to go to the hospital in order to get fluids back into your body. To avoid this, try to keep down small sips of water or another clear liquid for short amounts of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>