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How long can a viral fever last?
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Infectious Illnesses
Question #12241
45 days ago
182

How long can a viral fever last? - #12241

Vikram

I am dealing with this weird viral fever and it's totally throwing me off. A few days ago, I just woke up feeling sooo tired and all I could think about was how long can a viral fever last? I mean, I went to the doctor, they said it’s probably just a viral thing, but now I'm on day 5 of these annoying chills and this high temp, and I can't help but wonder if I should be worried. I remember feeling better for like a few hours yesterday and thought finally, it’s over! But then boom, it hit me again in the evening. I heard somewhere that how long can a viral fever last varies from person to person, but come on, I can’t take another week of this. Like, food doesn’t taste the same, and all I want to do is curl up on my couch and binge-watch something! I take fluids and rest, which helps a lil bit, but I just wanna know, how long can a viral fever last in situations like this? Is there something I can do to make it go away faster or do I just have to ride this out? Also, how do I know if it’s turning into something worse? I’m really just kinda confused and concerned here!

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Doctors’ responses

Viral fevers often run their course over a few days to about a week, but there can be a lot of variation. Typically, the body’s immune system takes around 3 to 7 days to fight off most viral infections. Experiencing fluctuation with symptoms, like feeling slightly better one moment and worse the next, is quite normal in these cases. Continue staying hydrated and getting ample rest, as you’re already doing, it’s one of the best approaches to help your body recover. You might also consider over-the-counter medications to manage fever and aches, but consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication. If by the 7-to-10-day mark you’re still having symptoms or if they become more severe, it’s prudent to contact your doctor again. In particular, watch for signs of a bacterial superinfection complicating the picture, such as persistent high fevers beyond the normal viral timeline, severe sore throat, cough with colored sputum, difficulty breathing, or if you become unusually lethargic. These could suggest conditions like a secondary bacterial infection or pneumonia, which would warrant further medical evaluation and possibly different treatment, like antibiotics. If you notice any of these concerning symptoms or any sudden worsening of your condition, seek medical attention promptly. It’s crucial to ensure that what seems like a viral fever doesn’t mask something more serious. So hang in there, but prioritize checking back in with a healthcare professional if recovery seems off track.

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