Does oxygen level drop in viral fever?
My father was recently diagnosed with viral fever. We were sitting together and then he complained that he was feeling cold. He then went to lie down and in no time, I could see his body also turning pale. It felt like he was not able to breathe or maybe we all just panicked seeing him like that because he was fine before that. Please tell me more about viral fever and how serious it is.
Dear Reader,
Viral fever is a very broad term that includes mild infections like the common cold and flu, as well as concerning infections like COVID-19, swine flu, dengue, etc. Certain severe viral infections, such as influenza, COVID-19, and swine flu, can affect the respiratory system and potentially lead to decreased oxygen saturation.Ā
If a viral infection causes complications like pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), oxygen levels can drop.Ā
It's important to monitor symptoms, and if you notice symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a persistent drop in oxygen levels (SPO2 below 94%), seek medical attention promptly.Ā
Always consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management right from the beginning of illness, this will reduce the risks of serious complications later on.
Hope this helps.