how many days does fever last - #15558
I am struggling to understand something that’s been really bothering me lately. My kiddo woke up a few days ago with a pretty high fever, like 102°F, and I’m just freakin’ out here. We thought maybe it was just a little bug, but now it’s been like 4 days of this on-and-off fever and I’m starting to wonder how many days does fever last? The doctor said to keep an eye on it and gave us some ibuprofen, but it doesn’t feel like it’s getting much better. Also, should I be worried if it lasts longer than, you know, a few days? Like, is this normal or should I be doing more? I read online some stuff about viral vs. bacterial infections and how that might affect how many days does fever last, but I don’t really know what that means for us. It’s been a wild ride with sleepless nights and trying to keep him hydrated. Just feeling a bit lost and really want to help but also don’t wanna overreact. Do you guys have any insight on how many days does fever last usually, or what to do if it's still around? Any tips would help, thanks!
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Doctors’ responses
Fever in children can be a bit unnerving, but generally, it’s the body’s way of fighting off an infection. For viral infections, which are the most common cause of fever in kids, it typically lasts around 3 to 7 days. But you mentioned it’s been 4 days with an on-and-off fever. While that’s not uncommon for viral illnesses, it’s always important to keep in mind other factors. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, might cause more persistent fevers, and they sometimes require antibiotic treatment if diagnosed that way by a doctor. Now, if the fever persists beyond 5-7 days or gets higher, or if you notice any other worrying symptoms like excessive lethargy, difficulty breathing, or not drinking well, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider for a closer evaluation. The underlying cause of a fever can greatly influence its duration. Thankfully, your doctor is already engaged, and following their guidance about monitoring the temperature and giving ibuprofen, while ensuring the child stays well-hydrated, is an important step to manage it at home. Keep watching out for red flags, and remember different infections behave differently. Changes in symptoms or new developments warrant another chat with your doctor. Make sure that things like over-the-counter fever-reducing medications are given as per the dosing instructions — it’s easy to overestimate or underestimate their efficacy if not given correctly. When in doubt, it’s better to reach out to your healthcare team – they’re there to guide you through these worrisome times.
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