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Infectious Illnesses
Question #15842
46 days ago
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viral fever range - #15842

Janvi

I am starting to worry about this weird illness that’s been going around. A few weeks ago, I had this sudden onset of high fever, chills, and this awful fatigue. I was just sitting at home, and out of nowhere, boom! The temp just shot up like crazy. My doctor said it was viral fever but didn’t explain much about the viral fever range. Like, what exactly is the range for a viral fever? My fever went up to 103°F and stayed there for a few days, then finally dropped but I still felt horrible. Can viral fever range from low-grade fevers to high fevers like mine? I read that some people have just a mild fever and are fine in a couple of days, but it seems like I had the full experience. Is it normal for a viral fever to last more than a week? My doctor said to just rest and hydrate, but I feel like I’m in limbo not knowing what's going on with the viral fever range. I'm kinda just hoping it won't lead to something more serious, y’know? Anyone else had a really high fever and then felt sluggish for ages after? What was your viral fever range, and how did it go for you? Any advice or tips would be great.

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Doctors’ responses

Viral fever can indeed vary widely in terms of temperature range and symptom severity. It’s essentially a fever caused by a viral infection, and the range can be from a mild fever of around 99°F to higher fevers like the 103°F you experienced. This all depends on the individual’s immune response and the specific virus involved. High fevers are not uncommon, especially with infections like the flu or other acute viral syndromes. It’s also normal for the fever to last anywhere from a few days to over a week, with fatigue and malaise persisting even after the fever subsides. This post-viral fatigue can occur as the body continues to recover from the infection. Rest and hydration are crucial, as they support your body’s natural recovery process. However, if the fever persists beyond a week, or if you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent cough, chest pain, confusion, or a significant change in general health, you should contact a healthcare provider. These could be red flags for more serious conditions, such as secondary bacterial infections or specific viral complications that may require prompt medical intervention. Using over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage fever and discomfort, but it’s best to discuss any medication use with your doctor to ensure it’s appropriate for your overall health status. As you focus on rest and fluids, try to maintain a balanced diet to support your immune system. Light activity might help improve energy levels as you start to feel better, but listen to your body and don’t overdo it.

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