Viral Syndrome: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Viral Syndrome?

The viral syndrome is a viral infection that is caused by the virus or viruses that affects the mostly respiratory tract. But it can affect any body part.
Viral syndrome is a diagnosis that a doctor may use when symptoms suggest a viral illness, but the specific virus has not been identified. It is a sickness which usually affects children. There are hundreds of different viruses that can make you ill. 

Recovery Time

A Viral infection usually lasts for 1-2weeks. The person starts feeling better within 3-4days.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on the physical examination and medical history of the patient. A blood test or chest x-ray may be ordered depending on the severity of the symptoms.

FAQs prepared by doctor

1. What is a viral syndrome?
A person with a viral syndrome has a combination of symptoms that are common in those with a viral infection. Viral syndrome is a diagnosis that a doctor may use when symptoms suggest a viral illness, but the specific virus has not been identified.

2. How much time it takes to recover?
A Viral infection usually lasts for 1-2weeks. The person starts feeling better within 3-4days.
 
3. What to do when viral syndrome is there?
One shall have bed rest at home for first 2-3days. Dehydration should be avoided by drinking 8-12 eight-ounce glasses of fluids per day. This may include water, orange juice and lemonade, apple, grape and cranberry juice, clear fruit drinks, electrolyte replacement and sports drinks, decaffeinated teas and coffee. Try over-the-counter analgesics to ease pain and fever. Use humidifiers and vapor rub to improve congestion.

4. When shall one consult a doctor?
When the symptoms become very critical, like severe cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, headache, face, neck or ear pain and constant right-sided lower abdominal pain. If one is feeling weak, dizzy, or like one is going to faint, having extreme thirst with fever of 100.4øF (38øC) oral or higher. When one has frequent vomiting or diarrhea, one shall visit doctor soon.

5. What are the complications of viral syndrome?
In children complications can include secondary bacterial infections, such as ear infections, sinusitis and pneumonia. Viral syndrome complications (which can either accompany or follow the illness) generally result from bacterial infections in the lower respiratory tract. Viral syndrome can also be followed by secondary viral infections, including viral pneumonia, bronchiolitis, parotitis and croup. More serious complications rarely occur, but do include encephalitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, myocarditis and/or pericarditis, rhabdomyolysis and arrhythmias. Other complications of viral syndrome that affect children are fever-related convulsions (febrile seizures). Newborns recently out of intensive care units are particularly vulnerable.