AskDocDoc
/
/
/
will viral fever spread
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Pediatric Medicine
Question #13386
6 days ago
36

will viral fever spread - #13386

Tara

I am super worried because my son just got diagnosed with a viral fever. It all started a week ago when he complained about feeling really tired and had this low-grade fever that just wouldn’t go away. We thought it was just a regular cold at first, but then his temp hit 102°F, and the doctor said it’s a viral fever. I'm not sure what to do now. Like, will viral fever spread to the rest of the family? I mean, my daughter is only 5 and she keeps hugging him, which makes me even more nervous! The doc said viral fevers are contagious, but how contagious are they really? Can she catch it just from being close to him? Or sharing toys? I read somewhere that some viruses are airborne, but that’s confusing too because I don’t see my son sneezing that much. And will viral fever spread even if they weren't close together for long? I’m freaking about this because we have a family gathering coming up, and I don’t know if it’s safe to let him be around other kids. Is there stuff we can do to keep the rest of us safe? Like should I keep him in his room or maybe disinfect everything? I just want to make sure my daughter doesn’t get sick too! Can someone help me with this?

FREE
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

Viral fevers, as indicated by your doctor, can indeed be contagious, depending on the specific type of virus causing the fever. The contagious nature varies widely between different viruses. Some are more easily spread than others, and transmission can occur through droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. If your son has a viral condition similar to the common cold or flu, it generally spreads through respiratory droplets, which can be transmitted via sneezes, coughs, or even talking, so it’s understandable to be concerned about other family members catching it. In your home setting, your daughter hugging your son does indeed increase the likelihood of transmission, especially if he’s still symptomatic. Viruses can also survive on surfaces for a period, so it’s wise to regularly clean shared items and common surfaces. Yes, distancing can help reduce spread, though it can be challenging in the household environment. Encouraging your son to follow good hygiene—like covering his mouth when he coughs or sneezes and handwashing often—can be effective measures. You might consider having your son rest in his room as much as possible to limit contact until he’s been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication. During family gatherings, keep your son from close interaction with other children and vulnerable individuals, if possible. Be mindful that kids can be quite resilient, but they can also transmit viruses before they show symptoms. Disinfecting surfaces that people frequently touch, like doorknobs and remotes, can be a good preventative step too. These precautions can indeed help minimize the risk of spreading viral infections within your family and beyond.

3677 answered questions
59% best answers

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions