Every season brings a wave of viral illnesses: cold, cough, flu, viral fever, dengue and chikungunya. Along with them come many myths that lead to wrong treatment, delays and sometimes serious complications. Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains common viral diseases and the truth behind popular beliefs.

What are viral diseases? Viral diseases are caused by viruses, tiny germs that spread through coughing, sneezing, touch, contaminated surfaces, mosquito bites or contaminated food and water. Common examples include the common cold, influenza (flu), viral fever, dengue, chikungunya, viral pneumonia, hepatitis and measles. Most mild viral infections settle on their own with rest and care, but some can become serious, especially in children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease.

Common Myths and Facts

Myth: Antibiotics cure viral fever, cold and cough.
Fact: Antibiotics work only against bacteria, not viruses. Taking them for viral infections does not help, can cause side effects, and leads to antibiotic resistance, making antibiotics less effective when you truly need them. Take antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor.

Myth: Every viral fever needs a drip or an injection.
Fact: Most viral fevers improve with rest, fluids and paracetamol. Drips and injections are needed only in specific situations, such as dehydration or severe illness, as decided by a doctor.

Myth: Cold drinks and ice cream cause viral infections.
Fact: Viral infections are caused by viruses, not by cold food. Cold items may irritate a sore throat, so warm fluids feel better during illness, but they don’t cause the infection.

Myth: Flu is just a bad cold.
Fact: Influenza can cause high fever, severe body ache and complications like pneumonia, especially in high-risk people. The yearly flu vaccine offers protection.

Myth: You shouldn’t bathe during a fever.
Fact: A bath or sponging with lukewarm water is safe and helps bring down the temperature and makes the patient feel better.

Myth: Once you’ve had a viral infection, you can’t get it again.
Fact: Many viruses, such as flu, cold viruses and dengue (with a different type), can infect the same person more than once.

Myth: Steroids help you recover faster from viral fever.
Fact: Taking steroids without medical advice can weaken immunity, raise blood sugar and worsen some infections. Use them only when prescribed.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if fever lasts more than three days, or if there is breathlessness, chest pain, falling oxygen levels, severe weakness, persistent vomiting, bleeding, confusion, or reduced urine output.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com