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Everything You Need to Know About Viral Fever
Viral fever is a common health concern for people of all ages. Parents and carers often find themselves comforting and caring for a feverish child or an elderly. This common disease knows no bounds, affecting toddlers, adults, and geriatrics alike. Viral fever can cause symptoms such as a high body temperature, headaches, and extreme fatigue. It comes on suddenly and easily spreads among family members. Preparedness and awareness can serve as barriers to this unpleasant visitor. So, keep reading to know more about viral fever, its symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
What is Viral Fever?
A typical body temperature for most people is around 37°C (98.6°F), and any reading above this is considered a fever. Fevers often signify that the body is fighting viral or bacterial invaders. Viral fevers, in particular, are those caused by an underlying viral infection.
The human population is susceptible to a variety of viral infections that range from the common cold to more severe ones such as the flu. In many cases, a slight rise in the body's temperature is a common symptom accompanying various viral infections. However, specific viruses, such as the one that causes dengue fever, can cause considerably elevated fevers.
Viral fever is more common in young children and the elderly because their immune systems tend to be weak. Fever is not an illness in and of itself; it is an indication of the underlying cause. A viral infection can affect any region of the body, including the lungs, intestines, and airways. As a result of the infection, a fever will develop. A high temperature typically indicates that your body's immune system is fighting and eliminating the invading pathogens.
Symptoms of Viral Fever
Fever is a common illness with viral fever symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Understanding these symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Here are a few of the most common viral fever symptoms to help you identify them.
- Fever
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Muscle, joint, and body pains
- Cough
- Painful tonsils
- Pharyngeal inflammation
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Congestion in the chest
- A burning sensation in the eyes
- Rashes on the skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dehydration
It is important to remember that many of the symptoms mentioned above can also be caused by bacterial infections. When viral fever strikes, it can weaken the immune system, making the body susceptible to additional infections if not properly addressed. Furthermore, it is important to emphasise that not all individuals with a viral infection will exhibit the complete array of symptoms mentioned above. The severity and range of symptoms might vary depending on the virus causing the illness and the individual's overall health.
In cases where individuals suffer from severe symptoms, particularly a high-grade fever (usually around 103°F to 104°F), they should seek prompt medical assistance to safeguard their overall health. Generally, viral fever is self-limiting, with symptoms resolving as the viral infection runs its course. However, if the symptoms continue or get worse, it is best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional for guidance on how to manage them effectively.
Diagnosis of Viral Fever
Distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections can be a bit challenging due to the overlap of symptoms. Additionally, bacterial infections can develop as a secondary complication of viral fevers. To navigate through the diagnosis, healthcare professionals rely on specific strategies:
- Comprehensive Evaluation
Your doctor will perform a thorough examination, starting with questions about the onset, progression, and severity of your symptoms. This helps establish a timeline and assess your overall health. They will also assess any possible exposure to viruses and their recent travel history.
- Diagnostic Tests
Various tests may be recommended, such as:
- Blood tests: These tests can detect the presence of specific viral antibodies or antigens in the blood. An increase in certain blood markers, such as white blood cell counts, may also suggest a viral infection.
- Urine tests: These tests can detect viral infections.
- Sputum tests: If you have respiratory symptoms, a sputum sample can be tested for the presence of viruses.
- Swabs of the throat, nasal passages, or other relevant areas: These tests can aid in identifying the virus that is causing the infection.
- Excluding Other Infections
Additional testing may be recommended to rule out infections, such as:
- Dengue
- Malaria
- Typhoid
- Chikungunya
- Advanced Imaging
A CT scan or chest X-ray may be requested in severe cases to identify suspected secondary infections.
In short, symptoms determine diagnosis. It is critical to provide accurate health information. Consult your doctor for precise medical assessments, reducing the need for unnecessary lab testing.
Viral Fever Treatment
Viral fever treatment differs based on the virus that is causing it and the severity of the symptoms.
- For mild viral fevers, doctors often prescribe paracetamol or ibuprofen. Additionally, baths with warm water and electrolyte-rich fluids can help with fatigue, aching muscles, and diarrhoea.
- In instances of high-grade body temperature, your healthcare professional can advise you to take a higher dose of paracetamol more often, typically every 4–6 hours. It is vital not to stop taking any medicines that were prescribed without first visiting your doctor. Intravenous paracetamol may be provided to critically ill individuals to lower their temperature and bring it closer to normal levels.
- Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. It is essential that you strictly stick to the recommended dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment.
- To relieve symptoms, many people take self-medication using over-the-counter viral fever medicines. Self-medication, on the other hand, can be dangerous and result in complications or the use of inappropriate therapies. It is best to get the advice of a medical professional to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Viral fever, a common condition that can affect anyone, frequently necessitates medical attention. Early detection and prevention are essential in a fever. Health insurance plans, available online, can be your financial shield during this illness. It ensures access to high-quality healthcare and a safe, healthy life without hurting your wallet. To learn why health insurance is important, click here.
FAQs
What is the typical duration of a viral fever?The duration of viral fevers varies; many last about 3 to 4 days; some resolve within a day, but some, such as dengue fever, may persist for 10 days or even more. In general, viral fevers are self-limiting in nature, usually clearing up in a few days with adequate rest and hydration.
Can viral fever be transmitted from one person to another?Yes, viral fever can be contagious because it is frequently caused by viruses such as influenza or the common cold, which can be transmitted through close contact with respiratory droplets.
Can I bathe if I have a viral fever?Taking a bath during a viral fever is generally safe, as long as the water temperature is comfortable and not too high. However, if you have a high fever or feel unusually weak, you should seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Is it possible to treat viral fever with antibiotics?Antibiotics are often not prescribed for viral fever or viral infections since they have little effect on viral illnesses. Doctors only recommend antibiotics to treat bacterial infections after a correct diagnosis.
What are some essential steps for the prevention of viral fever?Practice excellent hygiene (e.g., frequent handwashing), avoid close contact with infectious individuals, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and consider getting vaccinated against preventable viral diseases to prevent viral fever.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
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Health Insurance
How to File a Health Insurance Claim?
With the rising medical expenses and changing lifestyles, it has become imperative to purchase a comprehensive health insurance plan in today‘s time. Additionally, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has further established the importance of health insurance even firmly. A health insurance policy is the finest way to receive the best medical treatment without burning a hole in your pocket.
Be it an unforeseen medical emergency or a planned treatment, a health insurance policy can always come to your rescue. However, to avoid any last-minute hassle, you must be well aware of the process to file a health insurance claim beforehand. Below is a quick guide on how to file a health insurance claim.
But firstly, let‘s understand what a health insurance claim is.
Health Insurance Claim
A health insurance claim is a request that a policyholder must submit to the insurer for getting the services that are covered in their health insurance policy. Depending upon their convenience, policyholders can either opt for a cashless claim settlement option or reimbursement for the availed medical services.
Cashless Claims
For cashless claims, the insurance provider settles the hospitalization bills directly with the hospital. However, to get the benefits of a cashless claim, the policyholder should be hospitalized only at a network hospital of the insurer.
Reimbursement Claim
In case of reimbursement claims, the policyholder pays for the hospitalization expenses and later requests for reimbursement by the insurance company. The reimbursement facility can be availed at both network and non-network hospitals.
Now that you are well aware of the types of health insurance claims, let‘s understand how to file a health insurance claim
How to File a Health Insurance Claim?
1. Get in touch with the insurance help desk at the hospital
2. Show the ID card of the insured provided by the insurance company
3. The hospital will verify the insured‘s identity and will submit the pre-authorization form to the insurance company
4. The insurance company will then review all the documents submitted and process the claim as per the terms and conditions of the health insurance policy.
5. For reimbursement claims, you will also have to submit original bills to the insurance provider. The insurer will then evaluate the claim and make a payment to the insured. In case the treatment is not covered under the health insurance policy, the claim will be rejected.
Make sure that you have the following documents readily available with you before filing a health insurance claim.
Documents Required to Make a Claim
Valid photo ID cards such as Aadhaar, PAN, and Driving License
Copies of prescription for diagnostic tests, treatment advice, and medical references
Original set of investigation reports
Original hospital and pharmacy bill
Original discharge card or discharge certificate
It‘s always advisable to opt for an insurance company with a high claim settlement ratio and a large number of network hospitals. This makes the claim settlement process completely hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When can my health insurance claim be rejected?
Your claim can be rejected if you file a claim for an ailment that isn‘t covered by your health insurance policy. Moreover, your claim can also be rejected if you fail to submit the necessary documents or file a claim during the waiting period
2. What is the minimum time limit for hospitalization to make a health insurance claim?
You can file a claim if your hospitalization is for more than 24 hours. However, for certain treatments, such as dialysis, chemotherapy, etc., the stay could be less than 24 hours
3. What is claim settlement ratio?
The claim settlement ratio is the ratio of number of claims paid to the number of claims received
Health Insurance
All About Adding Spouse To Health Insurance After Marriage
Marriage brings a lot of changes in your life. Not only does it affect your lifestyle, but it also requires you to switch your investments in a way that are better suited for a family. You will now want to include your spouse to your financial world by adding them as a nominee in your banking accounts and other investment assets. Amidst all these personal and financial changes, do not forget to add your spouse to your health insurance plan. Adding spouse to health insurance after marriage is quite easy and can be done in three ways.
Buying a new family floater plan
If you do not have an existing health insurance plan, now would be a great time to invest your money in a family floater health insurance plan. Health insurance plans for family members cover your spouse, parents, and dependent children. The family floater plan allows you to pay a single premium to cover all named family members for medical expenses.
When buying a family floater plan, do ensure that it offers adequate coverage for you and your family. It is also important to keep in mind that the coverage amount is directly proportional to the health insurance premium you need to pay. This means that a family health insurance plan that offers a sum insured of Rs 10 lakh will require you to pay lower premium as compared to a family health insurance plan that offers coverage of Rs 20 lakh. However, it is advisable to opt for a higher sum insured if you have senior members in the plan.
Adding spouse to insurance after marriage
If you already have an existing health insurance policy, you can extend the cover to your spouse by adding their name to the policy after marriage. Upon adding you spouse, the individual health insurance plan will be transformed into a family floater plan. Since the coverage amount will increase, the premium of the policy will be recalculated. You can also add your spouse to your existing health insurance policy at the time of its renewal. You will need an application form and a few KYC documents like identity proof, residence proof, marriage certificate and photographs, to get this process started. You can easily get the application form from the insurer’s website.
Adding your spouse to the health insurance plan offered by your employer
There are many companies that offer health plans to their employees. These plans usually extend the coverage to the immediate family of the employee. However, this condition varies from one insurer to the other. Hence, it is better to check with your insurance company if they allow you to add your spouse to the existing health insurance plan that is issued by your employer. Here, it is important to remember that the health insurance policies offered by employers are group insurance plans and may, therefore, have certain limitations to coverage. Still, these plans offer a great option for coverage in case you don’t have health insurance of your own.
It is quite important to avail the health insurance cover for your spouse after marriage. This can help the both of you to securely plan your financial future.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Health Insurance
Steps of adding spouse to health insurance after marriage
Marriage is a huge step in everybody’s life. And personal finance has a big role to play for a successful married life. Therefore, it is important to update the financial records, including the health insurance plan, post-marriage.
In case you did not have an individual health insurance policy before the wedding, you can invest in a family floater plan for yourself and your spouse. In case you already have an individual health insurance policy at the time of wedlock, then you do not need to buy another one for your partner. Instead, you can add your spouse to the plan and convert it into a single policy. It is a feasible and simple way of ensuring that you and your partner are adequately covered.
Porting health insurance after marriage is also important. When one of the partners already owns a plan, you simply need to add another partner to the current policy as the spouse. There is no specific rule which specifies who can add the partner. The process of adding the spouse to health insurance after marriage is simple. The one who owns the policy can start this process with the submission of KYC documents such as identity proof, proof of age, photographs and marriage certificate.
The change will come into effect in the next policy renewal by just submitting the additional form and paperwork. Once you do this, the premium will be calculated and pro-rated. It will become a family floater insurance policy that covers all the members of the family for a single premium. You will not have to worry about paying separate premiums for each member of the family. It will cover the entire family at the lowest premium based on the age of the members in the family. Let us take a look at the benefits of a family floater plan.
A major perk of the floater plan is that you can cover yourself and your entire family in one policy. The policy is easier to handle and you do not have to worry about handling separate individual plans
You enjoy additional benefits like a newborn cover, maternity benefits, etc. It will be highly effective for young married couples who are on the road to starting a family. You must ensure that you choose a plan that covers yourself and the spouse and invest in one right after marriage
You must also get maternity cover at the earliest. It has a waiting period between 0 to 4 years and if you buy the cover on time, you will be able to enjoy the maximum benefits
With a family floater plan, you enjoy the same tax benefits under Section 80D as you do on individual health insurance
Many plans come with a reinstatement feature where you enjoy the reinstatement of the entire coverage after it is exhausted in the policy period. This is only applicable to unrelated claims but it is very useful.
If you do not have a policy and are looking to buy one, consider a joint life policy. It will work on the same lines and will provide coverage to your children in future if anything unfortunate happens to the parents. The main reasons couples should think of joint life insurance are premium reduction and waiver benefits. In this case, if one partner dies due to an unfortunate event, the spouse will not only be entitled to enjoy the full sum assured on the cover but will also be absolved of the responsibility of the payment of premium. Alternatively, the spouse may have to pay premiums only applicable for their own cover for the remaining period of the policy.
After your marriage, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety and adequate coverage of your spouse. You must include your spouse in the decision and speak to them about the coverage you wish to buy. Only then proceed with the decision. The right health insurance plan will offer acomplete protection and peace for the future.
Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.
Health Insurance
Advantages of Group Health Insurance
As the name suggests, group health insurance is aimed to offer health insurance cover to a group of people, usually employees, and if offered by an employer. It can also be offered to members of a professional association or a society. As compared to individual insurance, group insurance has many benefits for the employee as well as the employer who offers the insurance.
Comprehensive cover: Group health insurance plans offer wide coverage and can be customised by the employer. It comes with many benefits like cashless healthcare services at network hospitals. There is no waiting period which means the employee is covered from day one. Besides personal accident cover, some group health insurance plans offer cover to family members of the employee.
Guaranteed cover: All employees and in some cases their dependants are covered, even if they have existing medical conditions. A group insurance policy doesn't require a separate medical check-up. As long as an employee is working for the organisation offering group health insurance, he or she shall remain covered under the plan.
Low premium: As group health insurance plans are bought for a larger group of people, they offer comprehensive cover at affordable rates. The costs are much lower than individual health insurance plans. Group health insurance plans can be customised as per the employer’s budget and requirements.
Tax incentive for the employer: Besides safeguarding employees from health issues, group health insurance plans also provide tax benefits to the employer. Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, tax relief is offered to businesses that give their employees the benefit of group health insurance.
Happy employees: When companies offer health insurance plans to their employees, they help retain and attract good talent. A Group Health Insurance plan is a significant part of the employees’ total compensation. A group health insurance plan provides employees with financial security against accident and illness.
Rider options: With a nominal extra payment, employees can take advantage of other additional benefits. The employee can also opt for a corporate plan along with the base plan offered by the employer. The riders may differ from one organisation to another.
Provide your employees SBI General Group Health Insurance
Group health insurance is a very important benefit that makes employees feel like a valued part of an organisation. It helps companies retain as well as attract talent. SBI General Group Health Insurance plans offer multiple coverages: Individual, family floater. It offers wide coverage from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh. The group health insurance plans offer pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses. With SBI General group health insurance plans keep your employees happy.
Disclaimer: SBI General Insurance Company Limited I Corporate & Registered Office: 'Natraj', 301, Junction of Western Express Highway & Andheri - Kurla Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai - 400 069. | The information in the advertisement is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale. * ‘Tax benefits are subject to changes in tax laws’ I 'For SBI General Insurance Company Limited IRDAI Reg. No. 144 dated 15/12/2009 | CIN: U66000MH2009PLC190546 | SBI Logo displayed belongs to State Bank of India and used by SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd. under license. | Website : www.sbigeneral.in,Tollfree 18001021111 | UIN: SBIHLGP21330V022021 | ADDIG/20-21/AUG/652
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