The question here is, how long does a fever last? In this article, we have explained to you the average time frame of different types of fever caused from some common infections. Read on to know the details…
A fever is not a disease, rather it is the body’s response towards an infection, which is medically termed as pyrexia. The temperature of our body rises above normal, and you might experience shivering too. It’s one of the most common symptoms of flu and microbial invasion. The duration of fever depends on the severity of the attack, and the power of your immune system to cure it completely. Thus, it might range from 2 days to even several weeks. We shall analyze the question ‘how long does a fever last’, in the upcoming content.
For How Many Days Does a Fever Last?
If the temperature underneath your arms and mouth is more than 99.0°F and 99.9°F, respectively, then you should know that you are suffering from fever. When the cells inside your body fights with the infectious particles, then the temperature of your body gets elevated in order to kill the microorganisms. This is the most common reason behind having a fever. In such a situation, the fever will last for 2 – 3 days, after which you will recover normally. Since the incubation period of flu ranges between 2 – 5 days, the fever will also last for the same duration.
Viral fever frequently occurs due to seasonal changes, during which your body becomes more vulnerable to getting infected with microorganisms. It usually lasts for 2 – 3 days, and your body temperature might rise to between 101°F to 104°F. Viral fevers are highly contagious and you will experience mild shivering as well. The time frame for primary infection ranges from a few days to several weeks, and you will experience fever only when your body starts countering the virus particles. However, if the virus is strong, then the fever might extend to a week. Dengue, pneumonia and hepatitis, can make you sick for more than 7 days. During this period, you will experience extreme weakness in your body, and vomiting, headaches and body aches shall grip you hard. Fever might rise above 104°F, and therefore you must report to a doctor immediately. Fever arising from common cold and flu lasts for an average period of 3 days.
Although rare, fungal infections can sometimes cause high fever. Coccidioidomycosis, the causative agent of Valley fever, is a notorious fungi that affects the lungs. The infection is quite damaging to health, and infected people might get bedridden due the high fever that persists for more than 15 days. Fungal infections take place mostly from wounds that spread inside the body, causing the temperature to rise much beyond normal. Parasitic diseases (like malaria) are dangerous that often go undetected initially. You might confuse it with a viral fever, since the symptoms are similar at the beginning. Gradually, the person will suffer from chills and convulsions, along with a marked rise in temperature. A parasitic infection is diagnosed with clinical tests, and it takes at least 2 weeks for a complete cure. The temperature ranges between 102°F to 104°F, accompanied by shivering in the body. The temperature fluctuates within this period, and you can expect complete recovery after the dosage of medication is over. Mild bacterial infections that cause sore throat and pain in the lymph glands also cause fever that lasts for 1 or 2 days. Bacterial meningitis is a case of medical emergency, where the fever might go beyond 103°F, and it lasts for a minimum period of 2 weeks. In any case, you should never allow the temperature to rise above 105°F, because a fever higher than that can cause brain death.
Treatment of fever depends on the age of the affected person and the intensity of the fever. The most common fever medications are ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin and non-aspirin drugs. You must report to a doctor if your fever doesn’t subside after 3 days. Antibiotics are prescribed during such conditions, that not only cure the infection, but also fortifies your immune system.
