Home Remedies for Viral Fever in Kids: Natural Ways to Find Relief

Seeing your child suffering from viral fever is a nightmare for parents. Despite taking all the precautions, viral fever comes as an uninvited guest to bother your little one. While consulting a doctor is a must in this condition, trying home remedies can further support the recovery phase. Your kitchen has plenty of spices, condiments, and ingredients that can naturally relieve viral fever and its symptoms. 

This article delves deep into some easy yet effective home remedies for viral fever in kids. You will also find the major causes and symptoms of the fever to help you recognise its signs early. These home remedies will help you manage the viral fever naturally but remember they are not a substitute for a doctor’s treatment. Without much talking, let’s start:

What is Viral Fever in Kids?

Viral fever is an underlying condition triggered by illnesses or infections caused by viruses such as dengue, influenza, and more. It is characterised by a rise in the child’s body temperature from the normal 98.6°F or 37°C to higher degrees. Moreover, viral fever is not a disease in itself but a response of our body to a growing viral infection.

As kids have a weaker immune system, they are more likely to fall prey to viral fever. Usually, a viral fever is mild, and its symptoms subside on their own. However, ignoring the common symptoms can quickly turn the condition from mild to severe, leading to various complications. Parents should keep an eye on the viral fever symptoms and seek the help of a doctor if the condition persists for long. In the next section, you will learn about the leading causes and symptoms of viral fever in kids.

What causes a Viral Fever?

Viral fever is most likely to bother your kid during seasonal changes when the weather quickly shifts from hot to cold to humid. However, there are some significant causes of viral fever in kids, and the list below explains them well:

Viral fever is contagious

It spreads when your child comes in contact with an infected person. As the person sneezes or coughs in your kid’s proximity, the virus enters their body through the air. Common colds or flu are some common examples of this. Using baby care products like herbal hand wash can help keep germs away from your kid’s hands and restrict their entry into the mouth. 

Consuming contaminated food or drinks

Viruses can be present in your kid’s food and beverages. When ingested, they can lead to viral infections and, thereby, viral fever. 

Bites

Mosquitoes are carriers of various severe illnesses like dengue fever. They bite your little ones to transmit the infection into your child’s body. You can protect your kids from mosquito and insect bites with the right baby care products, like a herbal mosquito repellent roll-on. 

Common Viral Fever Symptoms in Kids

The most prominent signs of a viral fever in kids are as follows:

• High fever 
• Headaches
• Body pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Cough and congestion
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting (in some cases)

Now, you know the main causes and symptoms of viral fever in kids. It’s the perfect time to unravel some easy and effective home remedies for bringing comfort to your little ones from mild viral fever in the next section. 

Best Home Remedies for Viral Fever in Kids

Ayurveda offers various home remedies that you can use to alleviate viral fever in your child. Here is a list of effective workarounds you can consider for natural comfort:

1. Keeping the body hydrated

Elevated body temperature leads to sweating, which causes dehydration. Your child might feel warm and fussy due to loss of water. For this, ensure that you give your child water frequently. A few tablespoons of water every 10-15 minutes are ideal for the little ones. You can also give drinks high in electrolytes to babies and toddlers. With regular fluid intake, your child’s body will replenish the lost water content, bringing comfort to your child. 

2. Sponge Bath

A sponge bath is another convenient way to lower your child’s viral fever. Fill a bowl or vessel with lukewarm water and dip a sponge or soft cloth into it. Wash your child’s legs, arms, and forehead to reduce body temperature. Do not use cold water, as it can cause chills and further worsen the child’s condition. Also, consult a doctor immediately if the temperature continues to rise. 

3. Basil

Basil, known as Tulsi, is revered for its powerful immunity-boosting properties. A hot cup of basil tea can relieve the fever and other symptoms. To prepare this tea, boil a few fresh basil leaves in water for 5-10 minutes. Wait till it gets lukewarm and offer it to your child in small sips.  If your child feels uncomfortable, stop giving them basil tea.

Older kids can chew raw tulsi leaves. You can also make a paste of tulsi leaves with water and apply it to your child’s forehead to bring down fever.

4. Turmeric Milk

Turmeric milk has been a trusted solution for good health in Indian households. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric make it an excellent home remedy. A glass of warm turmeric milk can help boost immunity, soothe sore throats, and relieve the ailing body. Add a pinch of turmeric powder to a cup of warm or lukewarm milk.

Mix well before offering it to your child. You can also use a natural haldi milk mix powder from the market to prepare your haldi wala doodh.

5. Essential Oils

Organic essential oils are an effective solution if your child has congestion, breathing issues, and a fever. These oils are believed to have a calming effect on the body, ensuring comfort and sleep. You can use essential oils like lavender by adding a few drops to a diffuser. Or, add a drop of eucalyptus oil to a hot water bowl and let the child inhale the vapours.

The market has various cold relief roll on made using essential oils that naturally ease congestion, sore throats, and other cold symptoms.

Note: Essential oils should be used cautiously. Always dilute them with a carrier oil and avoid direct skin contact.

6. A good amount of rest

Like adults, kids need extra rest, especially when they are having a viral fever. This is because, during sleep, our body releases cytokines, proteins that support the immune system to fight against infections. A nice, comforting sleep also helps strengthen your kid's immune system, guarding them from common illnesses. 

7. Ginger and Honey Drink

For ages, ginger and honey have been revered for positively affecting health. Ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help bring comfort from infections and thus reduce viral fever. Honey is believed to soothe throat problems that are common during viral fevers. You can also use natural cold relief roll-on to relieve sore throat and congestion in kids. 

To create a concoction, boil a few slices of fresh ginger in water for 5-10 minutes. Once it is lukewarm, add a teaspoon of honey before giving it to your kid. 

Note: Honey must be given to children above 12 months

8. Sitopaladi Churna

Sitopaladi Churna is an Ayurvedic classical remedy for cold relief in kids. It is a trusted solution to ease dry cough, loosen congestion, comfort sore throat, and subside other cold symptoms. 

This magical Ayurvedic powder contains herbs like pippali, tvak, vanshlochan, ela, and sharkara. Usually, the Sitopaladi churna is mixed in equal quantities of honey for consumption. Loaded with benefits, it is a must-have in your baby care products kit, along with a cold relief roll. 

When to seek Medical Aid?

Home remedies for viral fever are primary solutions that can comfort your child. They cannot be used as a designated treatment. It is essential to seek a doctor’s help at the right time for quick recovery. Consult an expert if you notice the following signs in your child:

• The fever stays for more than 48 hours. 
• The temperature is more than 102°F. 
• Your child feels dizzy, dehydrated, or faces difficulty in breathing. 

Wrapping up

Home remedies are natural ways to treat common seasonal problems like viral fever. They are easy to adopt and are usually free from after-effects as they involve natural ingredients only. When you see the first few viral fever symptoms in kids, you can use these home remedies to bring comfort. However, if the viral fever persists, seek a doctor’s help quickly to avoid worsening the condition. Lastly, stop using the home remedy if you see discomfort in your child. 

FAQs

1. How many days does a viral fever last?

A typical viral fever lasts for 3-5 days. However, the duration can be longer depending on the infection type and the person’s immune system. It is advised to consult a doctor if the fever persists for more than a day or continues to rise even after giving medicines. 

2. Can I give a bath to my child with viral fever?

Yes, you can give a sponge bath or a bath with normal lukewarm water. Strictly avoid using cold or ice-cold water as it can cause shivering, further worsening the condition. 

3. Which fruits are good for curing viral fever?

Citrus fruits have high levels of Vitamin C and flavonoids, which boost immunity and lessen inflammation. Some popular citrus fruits are oranges, lemons, grapefruits, etc. Kiwi, melons, and broccoli are also good for recovery from fever.