What symptom indicates the possibility of viral meningitis in patients?

The presence of pyrexia (fever) combined with severe headaches is a classic indicator of viral meningitis. In viral meningitis, the patient often presents with an abrupt onset of fever, alongside significant headaches due to inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This symptom triad is essential in differentiating viral meningitis from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Although seizures can occur in cases of viral meningitis, they are not as characteristic or predominant as fever and headache in the initial presentation. Unilateral nasal obstruction relates more to sinus infections or other upper respiratory conditions, which do not commonly accompany viral meningitis. Shortness of breath is indicative of respiratory issues or other systemic conditions rather than central nervous system infections like meningitis.

In summary, the combination of fever and severe headaches is a strong clinical indication pointing towards viral meningitis, making it the most relevant symptom in this context.