What causes fever in viral influenza?
Sep 23, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. Viral fever, primarily caused by viral infections such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, and human metapneumovirus, is a contagious upper respiratory tract disease. Common clinical manifestations include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. The infection can spread through airborne droplets and direct contact, and the prognosis is generally favorable.
Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. Viral cold fever is mainly caused by viral infections such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, and human metapneumovirus, among others, leading to an upper respiratory tract infectious disease. Common clinical manifestations include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. The disease can spread through airborne droplets and direct contact, and the prognosis is generally favorable.
Viral colds can be classified into two categories: common cold and influenza.
1. Common Cold
Most commonly caused by rhinoviruses, followed by coronaviruses and parainfluenza viruses, the onset is usually sudden. Main symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and dry throat. Some patients may also experience systemic symptoms due to fever, such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle aches. The common cold is typically self-limiting and usually resolves within 5–7 days, so there is no need for urgent antibiotic treatment.
2. Influenza (Flu)
Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. It has a sudden onset, with prominent systemic symptoms such as high fever, headache, fatigue, conjunctivitis, and generalized muscle pain, while respiratory symptoms are relatively mild. Prompt antiviral and symptomatic treatments are required.
When fever occurs in viral colds, it is recommended to seek timely symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician.
