Can viral fever last for 5 days? - #11842
I am wondering about my health situation and really need some advice. Last week, I started feeling really under the weather. At first, I thought it was just a regular cold but then I developed a major fever that just won't quit! It's been five days of a really high temp like between 101 and 103 degrees. I've taken Ibuprofen and did the cold compress things, but nothing seems to help much. I keep reading about how bad viral infections can get and... Can viral fever last for 5 days like this? I'm kinda freaking out here because I never had a fever this long before, and I've been super fatigued and achy. I also noticed I have this sore throat and a weird cough along with it, which isn't great. My appetite is totally gone too, which doesn't help since I need energy to, like, get better! I guess I'm just really anxious and don't know if I should go to the doc or if this is just something that usually happens with a viral fever. Can viral fever last for 5 days and should I be concerned about it? Thanks for any help!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Yes, a viral fever can last for 5 days or even longer in some cases. Viral infections, depending on the virus and the individual’s immune response, can cause symptoms like fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and loss of appetite. While it’s common for viral fevers to subside within a few days, it’s possible for them to persist, especially if the body is still fighting off the infection. However, considering your fever is quite high and you’ve been experiencing multiple symptoms like fatigue, aches, and sore throat, it would be prudent to see a healthcare professional. There are several factors to consider: the persistence of your high fever and whether there are any additional symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe headache, or chest pain. These would be red flags that could indicate a more serious situation than a simple viral fever. A healthcare provider can perform an examination, check your vital signs, and possibly run some tests to determine what’s causing your symptoms. If it’s indeed a viral infection, rest, hydration, and fever management with medications like Ibuprofen (unless advised otherwise by your doctor) are typically recommended. However, given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it’s crucial to rule out other causes that might require different treatment. Until you can see a doctor, continue with self-care measures you’ve been taking, but do seek medical attention without delaying, especially if you feel your condition worsens or doesn’t improve soon.
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.