Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : August 22, 2016 10:14 AM IST
Read this in HINDI
Are you down with viral fever? Or are you suffering from seasonal flu? You must be wondering how long your fever will last. Dr Prashanth S Urs, senior consultant, neonatologist & paediatrician, Apollo Hospital, Bangalore says that viral fever can last for a week. According to him, the intensity varies according to age. If viral fever is caused due to a flu virus, then it might subside within five days. If the body temperature fails to come down after three days, then you should consult a doctor to know the exact cause of the fever. If the fever is due to a bacterial infection, the intensity of the illness might be higher after three days and might take even a week for the symptoms to subside.
It is very difficult to diagnose the exact cause of viral fever or bacterial infection during the first examination. The doctors usually rule out various conditions like throat infection, tonsillitis, burning sensation while passing urine, and diseases like typhoid and malaria, to determine if a person has viral fever. However, in some cases, your doctor might recommend a blood test if you have a high fever to know the exact cause of the condition. If you have a headache, cough and cold or throat infection, it is wise to consult a doctor at the earliest to get yourself treated.
In the case of kids, persistent fever or high temperature for more than 48 hours is a sign of worry. It is important to consult a paediatrician and not wait till the fever subsides, as children have low immunity. Moreover, if kids up to the age of six years have high body temperature, then you should visit a doctor soon. It might be a sign of febrile convulsions, says Dr Prashanth S Urs. Also, use of home remedies to treat viral fever in kids is a strict no-no, especially in infants. In fact, you should keep in mind these 10 things you MUST do when your child has fever for quick recovery.
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