Viral Infection Treatment

You should consider consulting a doctor for a viral infection if:

• Severe or worsening symptoms: High fever (above 39°C), persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, severe headache, or confusion.
• Prolonged illness: Symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement or suddenly worsen after seeming to improve.
• Difficulty breathing: Could indicate complications like pneumonia or bronchitis, requiring medical attention.
• Dehydration signs: Little or no urination, dizziness, dry mouth, or extreme fatigue.
• Unusual skin symptoms: Some viral infections like measles, chickenpox, or hand-foot-mouth disease cause rashes that may need medical evaluation.
• Weakened immune system: If you have a chronic illness (diabetes, heart disease, cancer) or are immunocompromised, seek medical advice early.
• Immunocompromised: Infants, young children, and elderly individuals are more vulnerable to severe complications.
• Viral or bacterial: If you are unsure whether the infection is viral or bacterial and if symptoms persist, a doctor can assess whether medication or further testing is needed.

Viral infections can affect different parts of the body, and they are classified into several types, including:

• Respiratory viruses: Affect the lungs and airways (influenza, COVID-19, RSV, common cold).
• Gastrointestinal viruses: Cause stomach and digestive issues (norovirus, rotavirus).
• Skin and mucosal viruses: Affect the skin, mouth, or genitals (herpes, HPV, chickenpox).
• Bloodborne viruses: Spread through blood and bodily fluids (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV).
• Neurological viruses: Affect the brain and nervous system (rabies, viral meningitis, encephalitis).
• Mosquito-borne viruses: Spread by insects (dengue fever, Ross River virus).

Symptoms of viral infections depend on the type of virus but often include:

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue and body aches
• Cough, sore throat, runny nose
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Skin rashes, blisters, or sores
• Headache, dizziness, confusion

Viral infections are caused by viruses, which invade human cells to multiply. Common ways viruses spread include:

• Airborne transmission: Coughing, sneezing
• Direct contact: Skin-to-skin or mucous membrane contact
• Contaminated food or water: Ingesting infected food (norovirus, hepatitis A).
• Blood and bodily fluids: Through sexual contact or needle sharing (HIV, hepatitis B).
• Insect bites: Mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas (dengue, Ross River virus).

Yes, most viral infections are highly contagious, spreading through:

• Person-to-person contact (coughing, sneezing, shaking hands).
• Contaminated surfaces (touching doorknobs, shared utensils).
• Food and water sources (norovirus outbreaks).
• Sexual transmission (herpes, HIV).
• Insect bites (mosquito-borne viruses).

Some viruses, like influenza and COVID-19, spread rapidly, while others, like hepatitis C, require blood-to-blood contact.

The duration of a viral infection depends on the virus and severity:

• Common cold: 5 to 10 days
• Influenza: 7 to 14 days
• Gastroenteritis: 2 to 7 days
• COVID-19: 10 to 14 days, but lingering symptoms can persist
• Herpes: Recurrent episodes throughout life
• Hepatitis: Can be chronic and last for years

Distinguishing between a viral and bacterial infection can be challenging since both can cause similar symptoms like fever, fatigue, and congestion. However, viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19, typically result in symptoms that develop gradually, including runny nose, sore throat, body aches, and mild fever, and they often improve with rest and hydration. In contrast, bacterial infections, such as strep throat, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections, often cause more localised and severe symptoms like persistent high fever, pus-filled discharge, swollen lymph nodes, and worsening pain.

Certain groups are more vulnerable to viral infections, including:

• Children and the elderly: Weaker immune systems.
• Pregnant women: Increased immune changes.
• People with chronic illnesses: Diabetes, asthma, heart disease.
• Immunocompromised individuals: Cancer patients, organ transplant recipients.

Most viral infections are self-limiting, meaning they resolve without specific treatment. Common management includes:

• Rest and hydration: To aid recovery.
• Antiviral medications: For severe cases (e.g., flu antivirals, HIV medications).
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatories: for fever and pain.
• Symptom relief: Cough syrups, nasal sprays, or anti-nausea meds.

We can prevent viral infections through

• Vaccination: Flu shots, COVID-19, hepatitis, and HPV vaccines.
• Good hygiene: Regular handwashing and wearing face masks.
• Avoid close contact: With infected individuals.
• Boost immunity: Healthy diet, sleep, and exercise.
• Use protection: Safe sex practices to prevent STIs.

Connect with registered health practitioners 24/7 to easily obtain medical certificates, prescriptions, and specialist referrals, without leaving home. Telehealth offers:

• Online GP consultations: Speak with an AHPRA-registered online doctor, often within 15 minutes.
• 24-hour doctor access: Get medical support any time, no matter where you are in Australia.
• Online prescriptions: Receive quick online scripts from a licensed doctor, approved and ready to use.
• Medical certificates: Request a doctor’s certificate online for work, school, or carer duties, no clinic visit required.
• 24/7 online doctor referrals : Get GP referrals for specialists, pathology, and radiology tests without waiting for an in-person appointment.
• Mental health support: Access online mental health care plans from experienced professionals via telehealth.