As temperatures dip, many unwitting people like you and I might end up shivering under the covers with viral fever, despite all precautions. A viral fever is also one of everyone’s first few flings with any kind of illness as a child.
A viral fever is also one of everyone’s first few flings with any kind of illness as a child.
(Gif Courtesy: Giphy.com)
However, even though a viral fever or flu may have become synonymous with season change, most people don’t understand the science behind it. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Hello, Little Virus...
The virus or bacteria does not directly cause fever. So, your viral fever is only your body’s response to these infection-causing microbes that have entered the body. Most viral fevers are caused by a common cold which in turn can be caused by over 200 different types of viruses. In case of a cold, more than one kind of virus is present in the body.
When it is 98 Degrees, But Feels Like 99 Degrees
The average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). A temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) means you have fever. Fever is often accompanied by body ache, head ache, shivers and a sensation of burning in the body.
Though one or all of these symptoms may be present and might make you feel like you aged a decade in one night, a fever is actually your body fighting off the infection.
The human body has a way similar to a thermostat of regulating temperature. In case of a fever, the body thermostat is set to a higher temperature. Therefore, instead of the average temperature, it’s set to over 99°F and more.
When the thermostat is set a few degrees higher, it is the same thing as the body being cold by a few degrees.
(Gif Courtesy: Giphy.com)
When the thermostat is set a few degrees higher, it is the same thing as the body being cold by a few degrees. Consequently, even though the body is burning up, you begin to shiver and feel cold.
Once the immune system stops fighting the infection and the body thermostat comes back to normal temperature, the bodily temperature is still quite high, making you sweat and feel hot.
Why Does Your Tongue Feel Like Dragonskin?
Pushing any food down the guzzle seems like a humungous task when you’re down with the flu. Much of it could be possible congestion in the nose which deprives food of its odour, taking away a major portion of its appetising nature. Being ill leads to an increase in the production of chemicals called cytokines which cut down appetite.
If no-smell food wasn’t enough, the tongue too suddenly feels like it’s completely forgotten how to perform its erstwhile duties. This loss of appetite is another attempt on the body’s part to help the body fight the illness. Digesting food requires energy and by cutting down on your diet, you are conserving this energy.
At the same time, it’s important to keep the body supplied with reinforcements in the form of fluids - chicken broth and vegetable soups are your best bets. The diet during a viral fever should be easy on the stomach, but nutritious.
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