Treatment of viral fever is purely symptomatic with antipyretic and analgesic drugs. Bed rest and adequate fluid intake is advised. Nasal decongestants may be beneficial. Specific antiviral therapy is not routinely recommended. Steroids are not advised as it may lead to bacterial super-infection. Only in cases of super-infection do antibiotics need to be prescribed. It is important that antibiotics are NOT routinely used for prophylaxis.
Complications of viral infections like pneumonia (viral or super-infection by bacteria) need to be addressed specifically by clearance of respiratory secretions and utilising ventilator assistance if hypoxia is severe. Symptoms of gastroenteritis should be managed with anti-motility agents. Most viral fevers recover completely in a week although fatigue may persist for a few weeks
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