Self-limiting febrile illness due to viral aetiology with non-specific features, lasting 3–7 days.
History taking
- • Fever, myalgia, headache, sore throat, mild cough, malaise
- • Exclude specific viral syndromes (dengue, influenza, COVID, chikungunya)
Examination
- • Mild pharyngeal erythema, no focal source
- • Normal chest, abdomen, neurology
Red flags
- • Persistent high fever >5 days, bleeding manifestations, severe headache, breathlessness
Differential diagnosis
- • Dengue, influenza, COVID-19, chikungunya, malaria (always exclude)
Recommended investigations
- • Often clinical; CBC, dengue NS1, malaria smear, COVID/influenza PCR as appropriate
Diagnosis
- • Diagnosis of exclusion after ruling out specific infections
Initial treatment / management
- • Symptomatic: paracetamol, fluids, rest
- • Avoid antibiotics unless bacterial focus
Prescription examples
- • Tab Paracetamol 500–650 mg PO TDS PRN
- • Oral fluids 2.5–3 L/day
Follow-up advice
- • Review if fever persists >5 days or warning signs
Patient counselling
- • Hand hygiene, isolation while symptomatic, mosquito precautions
Referral criteria
- • Persistent fever, warning signs, comorbidity
Clinical pearls
- • Always rule out dengue/malaria in endemic areas before labelling as viral
References
- • WHO IMAI Guidelines on Acute Febrile Illness 2018
Educational outpatient guide — verify against local guidelines before clinical use.
