How to Know Viral Fever Symptoms in Children | Doctor Explains | Viswabharathi Hospital Kurnool

Описание: Is your child sick with fever? Learn to identify viral fever symptoms BEFORE they
become serious. Dr. [Your Name], Viswabharathi Hospitals explains exactly what
symptoms to watch for and when to call the doctor immediately.

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🦠 VIRAL FEVER SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN (What to Look For):
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COMMON SYMPTOMS (Usually appear within 24-48 hours):
✅ High fever (100°F to 104°F / 37.8°C to 40°C)
✅ Sudden onset (fever comes rapidly)
✅ Chills or shivering
✅ Fatigue or weakness (child less active than usual)
✅ Loss of appetite
✅ Headache (child may complain of head pain)
✅ Body aches or muscle pain
✅ Cough or sore throat
✅ Runny or stuffy nose
✅ Mild to moderate diarrhea or loose motions
✅ Nausea or vomiting

TYPICAL PROGRESSION:
Day 1-2: High fever, chills, body aches
Day 3-5: Fever peaks, other symptoms develop
Day 5-7: Fever gradually decreases, symptoms improve

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🔴 RED FLAGS - CALL DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF YOU SEE:
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FEVER SEVERITY:
🚨 Temperature -104°F (40°C)
🚨 Fever lasting more than 7 days without improvement
🚨 Fever with severe pain anywhere

BREATHING/OXYGEN:
🚨 Rapid or difficulty breathing
🚨 Wheezing or shortness of breath
🚨 Lips or fingernails turning blue/pale

MENTAL STATUS:
🚨 Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness (won't wake up)
🚨 Confusion or unusual behavior
🚨 Seizures or unusual jerking movements

FLUID/NUTRITION:
🚨 Unable to keep fluids down (repeated vomiting)
🚨 No urination for 8+ hours
🚨 Very dry mouth or lips

RASH:
🚨 Rash spreading rapidly over body
🚨 Rash that doesn't disappear when you press it
🚨 Rash with fever (could indicate dengue, measles, etc.)

OTHER DANGER SIGNS:
🚨 Stiff neck or sensitivity to light
🚨 Severe abdominal pain
🚨 Unconsciousness or fainting
🚨 Blood in urine, stool, or vomit

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📋 SYMPTOM CHECKLIST - IS IT VIRAL FEVER?
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PRINT THIS AND MONITOR YOUR CHILD:

□ Sudden high fever (within hours)
□ Chills or shivering
□ Headache
□ Body/muscle aches
□ Fatigue (less active)
□ Loss of appetite
□ Cough or sore throat
□ Runny nose
□ Mild diarrhea
□ Fever comes and goes throughout day

If most of these are present = Likely viral fever
If accompanied by red flags above = Consult doctor immediately

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⚖️ VIRAL FEVER VS BACTERIAL FEVER (Key Differences):
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VIRAL FEVER:
✓ Onset: Gradual or sudden
✓ Duration: 3-7 days typically
✓ Fever pattern: Comes and goes
✓ Symptoms: General body aches, fatigue
✓ Treatment: Rest, fluids, fever control (NO antibiotics)
✓ Progression: Often improves after day 5

BACTERIAL FEVER:
✗ Onset: More sudden
✗ Duration: Longer if untreated (7+ days)
✗ Fever pattern: Continuous high fever
✗ Symptoms: Localized pain (throat, ear, cough)
✗ Treatment: REQUIRES antibiotics
✗ Progression: Doesn't improve without treatment

(IMPORTANT: Only a doctor can definitively diagnose - when in doubt, consult!)

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💊 WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT VIRAL FEVER:
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HOME CARE (Safe & Effective):
✓ Keep child well-hydrated (water, oral rehydration salts, light broths)
✓ Rest (encourage napping and quiet activities)
✓ Light, cool clothing (avoid heavy blankets)
✓ Fever management: Paracetamol (15 mg/kg) or Ibuprofen (10 mg/kg) per doctor's dose
✓ Tepid sponging if fever -103°F (lukewarm water, not cold)
✓ Monitor temperature every 4-6 hours
✓ Monitor for red flags (see above)

WHEN TO CALL DOCTOR:
• For fever in newborn -3 months (always consult)
• If fever lasts 3-5 days
• If any red flags appear
• If symptoms worsen
• For reassurance (there's no "too early" to call)

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👨‍⚕️ ABOUT DR. Swetha:
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Dr. Swetha
Assistant Professor Pediatric Department
Viswabharathi Hospitals, Hyderabad, Telangana

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⚠️ DISCLAIMER:

This is educational information only and not a substitute for professional medical
advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical
decisions. If your child has symptoms requiring emergency care, call 911 or visit
the nearest emergency room immediately.


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