Harmanpreet Kaur, New Delhi: The soaring humidity levels in Delhi have led to a spurt in the cases of viral fever.

Though reports suggest that the rise in cases are at a near epidemic rate, doctors claim that monsoons is normally the time when the spread of viral fever increases. Viral cases are known to increase five to 10 times with this change of weather.

Says Apollo hospital's Dr Chatterjee who specialises in Internal Medicine, "A few viruses grow well in humid environment and that is how the incidents go up. Our bodies aren't used to this temperature and the viruses find it more congenial and the rate of infection is higher in this season."

Viral fever is a condition in which a viral infection leads to a rise in body temperature. This could be either low-grade or high-grade fever, symptoms of which include:

• Body and muscle pain
• Headache Joint pain
• Redness of eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea

Says AIIMS' Dr Guleria who also specialises in Internal Medicine, "All fevers are not viral and it is important that you don't miss out on other fevers that may be more serious. If it's a viral you don't need antibiotics. Because it's a self-limiting disease, you just need anti fever drugs."

Though highly contagious you can try and avoid viral infection by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding crowded places and by not sharing personal belongings. However, if you have contracted an infection, avoid self-medication and stay at home. If the infection is mild, recovery is possible within a week.