Although tiny and invisible to the naked eye, viruses can cause various illnesses and compromise the immune system. Once viruses penetrate the body, they rapidly multiply through the genetic fragments they transport, leading to viral infections. Moreover, as bacterial and viral infections share similar symptoms, getting medical attention is essential to distinguish the type of infection. Listed below are some initial signs of viral infections to look out for.
Flu symptoms
Fever
When viruses enter the body, it’s common for the body to develop a fever to fight them off, making it a common symptom of viral infections. Other viral fever symptoms include cold, cough, and runny nose.
Headache
The inflammation caused by a viral infection may trigger debilitating headaches. Moreover, viral infections are characterized by colds and fever, which may also trigger and aggravate headaches.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a typical response of the body to viral infection. This kind of fatigue usually lasts until the body successfully defeats the infection. However, some patients may experience post-viral fatigue, which starts during the viral infection but persists even after recovery.
Body pain
When the immune system tries fighting against a viral attack, it releases white blood cells to destroy the viruses, causing inflammation and body pain. One may experience severe muscle pain during such times.
Upper respiratory symptoms
Nasal congestion
The accumulation of fluids in the sinuses results from the body’s attempt to fight off viruses. Such built-up nasal fluids may lead to nasal congestion.
Sore throat
A sore throat is caused by inflammation of the pharynx, a common symptom of a viral infection. This symptom often subsides on its own and does not require any specific treatment. Essential home remedies like gargling and sipping hot water and ginger tea can help soothe the throat.
Cough
Viral infections cause windpipe, throat, and lung inflammation, triggering severe cough, which often subsides within two weeks.
Sneezing
When a virus attacks the nasal passage, the body releases inflammatory mediators, such as histamine, to fight the virus. This reaction causes the dilation and leaking of blood vessels, and the mucus glands begin secreting nasal fluids. Sneezing results from such symptoms during a viral infection.
Digestive symptoms
Nausea and vomiting
Studies have shown that viruses attacking the body cause the production of serotonin, which activates the brain’s “vomiting center” and leads to symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea
Viral gastroenteritis is another common symptom of a viral infection and may develop approximately three days after the virus attack. Typically, this symptom subsides after two days but may sometimes last longer.
Skin conditions
Certain viral infections, such as chickenpox and measles, may trigger skin inflammation and resultant infections, such as rashes, sores, warts, and blisters. These symptoms often subside when the bout of illness has passed.
