how many days viral fever last in babies - #20835
I am really worried about my little one. She's 10 months old and came down with a fever that just won’t quit. It started suddenly with a high temp, like 102, and I thought it must be a viral thing because she has no other major symptoms, just a bit of a runny nose and she seems kinda cranky, more than usual. I've been giving her baby Tylenol, but the fever keeps sneaking back. I read online about how many days viral fever last in babies, and it totally freaked me out. Some places say it can last up to a week! I just wanna know, how many days viral fever last in babies usually? Is there a way to tell if it's something more serious or if it's just a normal viral fever? Also, my neighbor said her kid had it for two days and then he was fine, but then I hear other parents talking about their babies running fevers for like five days or more. Should I be looking for other signs to know? Any tips on how to comfort her while we wait this out? This waiting game is so stressful, and I can’t stop worrying!
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Doctors' responses
Viral fevers in babies can typically last anywhere from two to five days, sometimes stretching up to a week. The wide variation is due to the specific virus involved and the individual response of the baby’s immune system. Given your child has a fever and mild symptoms like a runny nose and crankiness, it seems like a common viral infection, which often resolves on its own. The persistence of symptoms is unsettling, but not necessarily alarming if your daughter is still taking fluids, staying active or having wet diapers. That’s a reassuring sign that her body is coping. Keep giving the Tylenol to manage the fever, as long as it’s according to the dosing instructions on the label; it can help keep her comfortable. Watch for other signs such as persistent high fever (104 F or higher), difficulty breathing, unusual fussiness beyond baseline, or dehydration signs like dry mouth or decreased urine; these warrant more immediate medical evaluation. Keep her hydrated — offer breast milk, formula, or water in small frequent amounts if she’s over six months. Also, monitor how her symptoms change, since complications or secondary infections (like an ear infection) can develop in some cases. To comfort her, ensure she gets plenty of rest in a cool, quiet environment. Using a humidifier can also relieve nasal congestion. Due to her age, and if the fever persists beyond five days or other worrying signs appear, it’s prudent to consult your pediatrician. They might want to check for bacterial infections or other illnesses that also present with similar symptoms. Reassurance in these situations comes from staying observant and responsive to any changes in her condition.
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