Can viral fever last for 5 days? - #12016
I am feeling really stressed about my health right now. Last week, I started experiencing symptoms that felt like a typical flu. Fever, chills, fatigue – you know how it goes. I thought it would just be a quick thing, but it's been five days and I still have a fever! I am constantly checking my temperature and it still fluctuates between 100 and 102 degrees. My body aches, and I can hardly keep any food down. I read online that viral infections can last anywhere from a couple of days to weeks, but I can’t shake this feeling of worry. Can viral fever last for 5 days? Just seems like a long time for something that I thought was supposed to be mild. I went to my doctor, and they said it’s likely viral and to take some rest and fluids. But if can viral fever last for 5 days or longer, how will I know when it’s safe to stop worrying? I don’t want to miss work, but I also don’t want to be contagious or overdo it. Are there any specific signs of when this viral fever turns into something more serious? Thanks for any advice!
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Doctors’ responses
Yes, a viral fever can indeed last for five days, and for some infections, even longer. It’s not uncommon for viral illnesses like the flu or other upper respiratory infections to produce symptoms that persist for a week or more. The persistence of fever and other symptoms like body aches and fatigue can be annoying, but they’re often part and parcel of the body’s immune response fighting off the virus. The advice you received—rest and fluids—is sound; staying hydrated and allowing your body to recuperate is crucial. Still, it’s vital to monitor your symptoms closely. A fever that keeps hovering between 100 and 102 degrees isn’t necessarily alarming, but it’s significant enough to warrant staying home to reduce contagion risk and focus on recovery.
Look for red-flag symptoms indicating the need for quick medical attention: difficulty breathing, chest pain, a new rash, persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down, confusion, or if the fever climbs above 103 degrees and doesn’t respond to regular fever-reducing medications. These could point to complications or a more severe illness requiring professional evaluation. If you notice any of these, it’s crucial to seek medical care promptly. It’s okay to prioritize your health over work during recovery; your body needs time to heal, and challenging it too soon can lead to setbacks. If you’ve had a gradual improvement in symptoms without new or worsening issues, it’s generally a sign of recovery, and you can consider returning to routine activities cautiously. Remember, complete recovery often takes another few days even after fever subsides, so be gentle with yourself to ensure full recovery and prevent relapse.
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