Viral infections: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is a Viral Infection?

Viral infections are illnesses caused by viruses (influenza, common cold viruses, dengue, chikungunya, many respiratory viruses, and others). Presentation ranges from mild (fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough) to severe (dehydration, respiratory distress, organ involvement). Accurate diagnosis, appropriate medical care (antivirals, hydration, oxygen when needed) and public-health measures (isolation, contact tracing) are primary. Ayurveda can provide complementary supportive care to reduce symptoms, support immunity and aid recovery when coordinated with medical care.

Critical Safety Note

If you suspect a serious viral infection (high fever, breathlessness, chest pain, confusion), seek medical attention immediately. Ayurvedic therapies here are described as supportive and rehabilitative — they do not replace indicated medical treatments, isolation procedures, or emergency care. We always coordinate with treating physicians and require medical clearance before in-clinic procedures.

Integrated Ayurvedic Care Pathway (Supportive)

• Medical triage & coordination: Confirm diagnosis, rule out complications, and stabilise. Ayurveda is adjunctive — not first-line — in severe/complicated cases.
• Acute symptomatic support: Rest, hydration, antipyretic measures (as advised by physician), gentle Ayurvedic modalities to relieve congestion, fever and body ache.
• Subacute & rehabilitation: Therapies to reduce lingering fatigue, rebuild strength and support immunity (rejuvenation, mild local therapies, nasal therapy for ENT recovery).
• Herbal & nutritional support: Short-term, evidence-aware herbal prescriptions (Guduchi, Tulsi, Yashtimadhu etc.) chosen for safety and in coordination with labs/physician.

Therapies Useful in Viral Infection — with reference images

Below are clinic therapies commonly used as supportive measures for viral infections or for post-viral rehabilitation. Each therapy includes a reference photo. Therapies are selected and individualized after medical clearance.

Abhyanga (Warm Oil Massage)

Why used: Gentle whole-body oil massage to relieve body ache, improve circulation and reduce fatigue.

• Soothes muscles and joints, improves sleep and supports lymphatic drainage.
• Helps restore appetite and general wellbeing during recovery phase.
• Technique and intensity adapted during/after febrile phase — light strokes preferred when fever is present.

Swedan (Whole-body Steam/Decoction Steam)

Why used: Promotes sweating to relieve congestion, ease stiffness and support detoxification of superficial tissues.

• Useful for body ache, nasal congestion and stiffness — performed gently and only when patient is hemodynamically stable and not febrile with dangerous signs.
• Local or whole-body steam with appropriate herbal decoctions can ease chest and sinus congestion when indicated.

Nadi Swedan (Localized Steam)

Why used: Focused steam to chest, neck or sinuses to relieve local congestion and support breathing and sinus drainage.

• Preferable when whole-body sweating is not advisable; used for targeted symptomatic relief (sinusitis, bronchial congestion).

Churn Potli / Patra Potli (Herbal Poultice)

Why used: Warm herbal boluses applied to chest, sinuses or limbs to relieve congestion, muscle ache and local inflammation.

• Herbal contents selected to ease respiratory symptoms, reduce stiffness and improve local circulation.
• Patra Potli (leaf-filled) and Churn Potli (powder-filled) are used based on symptom location and sensitivity.

Kashaya Dhara (Herbal Decoction Pouring)

Why used: Warm decoction poured over chest/abdomen for symptomatic relief and mild anti-inflammatory effect.

• Can help soothe chest discomfort and systemic malaise in recovery phases; formulations chosen for safety and symptom-match.

Shirodhara (Forehead Oil Pouring)

Why used: Calms the nervous system, improves sleep and reduces post-viral anxiety, headaches and insomnia.

• Very helpful in post-viral fatigue syndromes and for restoring quality sleep and autonomic balance.

Nasyam (Nasal Therapy)

Why used: Lubricates and heals nasal mucosa, reduces post-viral nasal symptoms, improves smell and clears upper airway.

• Useful for lingering nasal congestion, loss of smell/taste (post-viral), and recurrent sinus complaints after infection.
• Only used when there is no active severe mucosal damage and under clinician supervision.

Njavara Kizhi (Rejuvenative Bolus Therapy)

Why used: Nourishing rice-bolus therapy used in rehabilitation to rebuild strength and reduce prolonged weakness.

• Supports recovery from post-viral fatigue, improves appetite and helps tissue nourishment.

Oil Bath (Abhyanga + Steam Combination)

Why used: Combines oil application and warm water/steam bath to relax muscles, reduce chills and support restorative sleep.

• Useful when patients feel chilled, have body ache, and need gentle warming and nourishment during recovery.

Herbal Medicines & Nutritional Support

We use short-course, safety-focused herbal support aimed at symptom relief, immune support and mucosal healing. All internal medicines are prescribed after clinical assessment and coordinated with the treating physician.

Herbs can interact with prescription medicines and may be contraindicated in some medical conditions (pregnancy, severe hepatic or renal impairment, uncontrolled hypertension). Always use under clinician supervision and after disclosure of all medications.

Sample Supportive Clinic Plans

All plans are individualized. In-clinic therapies are provided only after medical clearance and when the patient is clinically stable and non-infectious as per current guidelines.

Quick Reference — Therapies & Roles