Viral fever: Viral fever is one of those terms that instantly makes people anxious. You hear it, and suddenly your neighbour, your aunt, and half the WhatsApp groups you’re in start throwing advice your way. Some of it’s helpful. Most of it… not so much. The problem is, these myths keep circulating like they’re facts, and people end up doing the wrong things when they’re sick. Let’s clear a few up.
Myth: A high fever means the illness is severe
Not always. Temperature alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Some people spike a high fever with a mild infection, while others may have something serious brewing with barely a temperature change. I’ve seen people panic the second the thermometer shows “101” and rush to the hospital. Meanwhile, a friend with a stubborn 99-degree fever ignored it for days and ended up with pneumonia. The point? Look at the whole picture; how you feel, how long it lasts, and what other symptoms show up.
Also Read | Which fever range is normal, and which needs urgent care?
Myth: You shouldn’t eat if you have a fever
“Starve a fever, feed a cold.” You’ve probably heard that old line. It sounds catchy, but it’s terrible advice. When you’re sick, your body is already burning more energy fighting the infection. Skipping meals only makes you weaker. That doesn’t mean you need a full plate of spicy biryani, but light, easy-to-digest foods like soups, fruits, rice, and toast, which actually help. And lots of water, more than you think.
Myth: Antibiotics will knock it out
This one’s everywhere. The moment someone says “fever,” people think antibiotics are the magic bullet. But viral fever, as the name suggests, comes from viruses. Antibiotics only work on bacteria. Taking them when you don’t need them is like calling an electrician to fix a leaking pipe. Useless. Worse, it contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is a real problem for future treatments.
Myth: If the fever goes down with medicine, you’re fine
Popping paracetamol and seeing the temperature drop doesn’t mean you’re cured. Fever reducers only mask the symptom; they don’t fight the virus. It’s like putting a silencer on a car that’s still broken, which can make it sound better, but the problem’s still there. If your fever keeps bouncing back, especially after three or four days, that’s when you need a doctor’s opinion.
Myth: Viral fever is always contagious
Not every viral infection spreads like wildfire. Some do, like the flu. Others don’t, or only under certain conditions. Avoiding sick people is common sense, sure, but don’t assume that every single fever is going to sweep through your entire household. Washing your hands and not sharing cups will usually do more than panicking about breathing the same air.
Also Read | Fever vs. flu: What’s the difference and why it matters
Here’s the reality: most viral fevers aren’t life-threatening, and rest plus hydration is the real “treatment.” But believing these myths can slow down recovery or make you do unnecessary things. So the next time you hear folklore floating around, take it with a grain of salt and maybe a glass of warm water.
