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10 Foods You Must Eat During A Viral Fever

Eating healthy can be a great way for you to let your body recover from a viral fever

Viral fever refers to a spike in body temperature caused by a viral infection. It is a common condition characterised by symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, chills, headache, and a low or high-grade fever. Viral fever results when the immune system reacts to fight off viruses, leading to an elevated body temperature. While medical attention is often necessary, dietary changes can play a significant role in managing symptoms, speeding up recovery, and supporting overall health during viral fever. Certain foods can provide energy, hydration, and immune-boosting nutrients to help the body combat the infection effectively. Keep reading as we share a list of foods you must have during a viral fever for better health.

10 Foods you should have during a viral fever 1. Coconut water

Coconut water is a natural electrolyte-rich drink that helps maintain hydration and replenish lost minerals due to fever-induced sweating. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe the body.

2. Chicken soup

A classic remedy, chicken soup is easy to digest and provides protein to help repair tissues and boost immunity. The warm broth also relieves throat irritation and congestion.

3. Citrus fruits

Rich in vitamin C, citrus fruits help strengthen the immune system and reduce the severity of infections. They also promote hydration and soothe a sore throat.

4. Ginger tea

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Drinking ginger tea can help alleviate nausea, boost circulation, and support the immune response.

5. Bananas

Soft and easy to digest, bananas provide energy and essential nutrients like potassium, which help maintain electrolyte balance and reduce muscle cramps caused by fever.

6. Turmeric milk

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. When mixed with warm milk, it helps soothe the throat and boost immunity.

7. Rice porridge

A light and easily digestible meal, rice porridge provides carbohydrates for energy while being gentle on the stomach. Adding a pinch of salt and a dash of lemon juice enhances its nutritional value.

8. Vegetable broth

A nutrient-dense option, vegetable broth hydrates and replenishes lost minerals while being easy on the digestive system. It also provides vitamins and antioxidants to fight infection.

9. Honey

Known for its antimicrobial properties, honey soothes sore throats and suppresses coughing. Adding it to warm water or herbal teas enhances its benefits.

10. Yogurt

Probiotic-rich yogurt promotes gut health, which is crucial as the majority of the immune system is based in the gut. It also provides protein and calcium to support recovery.

Including these foods during a viral fever ensures adequate nutrition, supports the immune system, and accelerates recovery. Additionally, staying hydrated and resting adequately is essential for full recuperation.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Marburg Virus Outbreak In Rwanda And What You Need To Know

Understanding the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda: Learn about symptoms, prevention, and current travel advisories for this rare but serious viral disease.

The Marburg virus, often referred to as the "bleeding eye" virus, is currently causing concern as it circulates in Rwanda. With a high mortality rate and alarming symptoms, health officials are urging caution, especially for travelers. The U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued warnings regarding travel to affected regions, highlighting the seriousness of this outbreak.

Understanding Marburg virus disease

Marburg virus disease is a rare and severe viral hemorrhagic fever that affects both humans and non-human primates, including monkeys and apes. It is caused by infection with orthomarburgviruses, which are primarily found in the Egyptian rousette bat. The virus can spread from bats to humans and subsequently from person to person through exposure to blood and bodily fluids.

Dr. Thomas Russo, an infectious disease expert, notes that Marburg is related to Ebola, another deadly virus. The first known cases of Marburg virus disease were reported in 1967 in Germany, where researchers fell ill while handling infected monkeys imported from Africa. Since then, outbreaks have primarily occurred in sub-Saharan Africa.

The history of Marburg outbreaks

Understanding the historical context of Marburg virus outbreaks helps put the current situation in perspective. Since its discovery, several significant outbreaks have occurred:

1967: Initial outbreak in Germany and Yugoslavia

1975: Cases in South Africa

1980: Outbreak in Kenya

1998-2000: Large outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo

2004-2005: Outbreak in Angola

2017: Cases in Uganda

2024: Current outbreak in Rwanda

Recognizing the symptoms

Initial symptoms of Marburg virus are often non-specific and resemble those of other illnesses. According to the CDC, early signs typically appear 2-21 days after exposure and include:

Early symptoms:

Fever and chills

Intense headache

Muscle aches and fatigue

Rash with flat and raised bumps

Chest pain and shortness of breath

Sore throat

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Advanced symptoms:

Severe bleeding from multiple sites

Liver and multi-organ failure

Delirium and confusion

Shock

Central nervous system involvement

The current situation in Rwanda

Health officials in Rwanda declared a Marburg virus outbreak in late September. As of late October, there have been 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths, with nearly 80% of the cases reported among health care workers in two facilities. The CDC has issued a travel alert, advising individuals to practice enhanced precautions if they must travel to Rwanda.

Transmission and risk factors

Understanding how Marburg virus spreads is crucial for prevention:

Primary transmission:

Direct contact with infected bats

Exposure to caves or mines inhabited by Marburg-carrying bats

Handling infected non-human primates

Human-to-human transmission:

Direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals

Exposure to contaminated medical equipment

Handling deceased victims without proper protection

Sexual transmission from recovered patients

Treatment approaches

Currently, there are no specific treatments for Marburg virus disease. Medical care focuses on supportive measures:

Supportive care includes:

Maintaining hydration through oral or intravenous fluids

Managing oxygen levels and blood pressure

Treating secondary infections

Addressing specific organ complications

Blood product transfusions when necessary

Experimental interventions

While no approved specific treatment exists, several experimental approaches are under investigation:

Current research:

Antiviral medications

Immune plasma from survivors

Monoclonal antibody treatments

Experimental vaccines

Prevention strategies

Preventing Marburg virus transmission requires multiple approaches:

Personal protection:

Avoid contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals

Use appropriate personal protective equipment in health care settings

Practice proper hand hygiene

Avoid contact with potential animal hosts

Community measures:

Rapid identification and isolation of cases

Contact tracing and monitoring

Safe burial practices

Public health education

Impact on health care systems

The current outbreak has significantly affected health care workers:

Challenges faced:

High infection rates among medical staff

Limited protective equipment

Strain on health care facilities

Need for specialized training

Global health response

International organizations are coordinating efforts to contain the outbreak:

Response measures:

WHO deployment of emergency teams

CDC technical assistance

Resource mobilization

Surveillance enhancement

Travel considerations

For those considering travel to affected regions:

Travel advisories:

CDC travel alert levels

State Department recommendations

Required health screenings

Emergency planning requirements

Future outlook

While the current outbreak is serious, several factors influence its potential spread:

Containing factors:

Improved surveillance systems

Better understanding of the virus

Enhanced international cooperation

Rapid response capabilities

Conclusion

The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda presents a significant public health challenge, particularly for the region's health care workers and residents. While the situation requires careful monitoring and response, the risk to most individuals outside the affected area remains low. Understanding the virus, its transmission, and prevention measures is crucial for maintaining perspective and implementing effective control strategies.

For those not traveling to affected areas, the immediate threat remains low, but staying informed about global health situations is always prudent. The outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of robust public health systems and international cooperation in managing emerging infectious diseases.

Dengue: 3 More Die In 24hrs

Three more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Saturday morning (14 December), raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 548 this year.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), recent fatalities have been reported in various divisions of the country.

One death each occurred in the Dhaka South City Corporation, Barishal division, and Khulna division (outside the city corporations).

During the same period, 316 additional patients were hospitalised with viral fever, the DGHS added.

Of them, 95 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 63 were hospitalised in Dhaka South City Corporation.

As of now, 1,777 patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country.

Since 1 January, a total of 98,504 dengue cases have been reported.

Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 1,705 people, making it the deadliest year on record.

According to DGHS, there were 3,21,179 dengue cases and 3,18,749 recoveries in 2023.

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