fever last for how many days - #15397
I am really worried about this fever that just won't go away! It's been a week now and I'm just not sure what to think. It started out as a mild fever last for how many days? At first, I thought it was just a 24-hour bug, but now I'm sweating buckets at night and having chills during the day. My head feels like it's in a fog, and food doesn't even seem appetizing. I went to the doctor, and they ran some tests but said nothing serious showed up, which is good, I guess. But still, fever last for how many days normally? My friend had a fever for 5 days and then he was fine, but other people have mentioned 10 days isn't that unusual. I don't know if I should stay home from work longer or what. Is there anything I can do to make it stop? I just want to feel normal again and make sure I'm not missing anything critical here. Fever last for how many days is it considered abnormal? Just looking for any advice or personal experiences from you all.
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Doctors’ responses
A fever lasting more than a week can definitely be concerning and may indicate something more than a common viral infection. Normally, a fever from a typical viral illness like the flu or a cold should resolve in about 3 to 5 days. If it’s persisting beyond 7 days, it’s good that you went to the doctor for tests. Even if they didn’t find something serious, it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely. Persistent fevers can sometimes be due to prolonged infections, inflammatory conditions, or other underlying issues that might need more focused investigation.
Given your symptoms of night sweats, chills, lack of appetite, and brain fog, it’s a good idea to keep track of other symptoms you might develop, like a cough, rash, or any new pain. Ensure you stay hydrated and rest adequately, as your body needs energy to fight off whatever may be causing the fever. Over-the-counter fever reducers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the fever and the aches but won’t treat the underlying cause. If your fever doesn’t start to subside soon, or if you notice worsening symptoms, it’s important to follow up with your doctor or consider seeing an infectious disease specialist. Make sure to seek urgent medical attention if you experience any symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe headache, confusion, or persistent high fever above 103°F (39.4°C) as these can indicate a more serious condition needing immediate care. Always prioritize safety and don’t delay reaching out to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about your condition.
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