Viral infection
A viral infection is caused by a virus and is often the cause of minor illness, such as a cold or a stomach infection. A viral infection usually causes many different symptoms that often come on quickly (over hours to a day or two) without prior illness.
Viral infections that cause minor illnesses are usually not serious. And they go away without medical treatment. Home treatment can relieve the symptoms of colds and stomach infections. And home treatment can prevent problems, such as dehydration, too. Antibiotics are not used to treat a viral illness and will not help cure a viral illness.
Some immunizations can prevent viral infections, including influenza (flu), chickenpox, and measles. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick people can also help prevent infection.
How can you care for yourself when you have a viral infection?
- Get plenty of rest if you feel tired.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medicine if needed, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
- Be careful when taking over-the-counter cold or flu medicines and Tylenol at the same time. Many of these medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Read the labels to make sure that you are not taking more than the recommended dose. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Stay home from work, school, and other public places while you have a fever.
Viral infections in teens: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You seem to be getting much sicker.
- You have a new or higher fever.
- You have a severe headache.
- You have a stiff neck.
- You have blood in your stools.
- You have new belly pain, or your pain gets worse.
- You have a new rash.
- You are confused or disoriented.
- You have trouble thinking or concentrating.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You start to get better and then get worse.
- You do not get better as expected.
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