How Long Does Viral Fever Take To Resolve?

Posted on Thu, 18 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 Answered on

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have temperature since 4 days. Ranging from 100 till 103.5. The earlier two days it XXXXXXX till 103.5. The last two days it has risen till 101.7. Dengue test has been negative and we assume it to be viral fever. How long will it to cure

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Symptomatic relief

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

The fact that the temperatures are falling simply means recovering phase. It's hard to differentiate viral and bacterial just by temperature patterns, it is not a dictum that viral fevers don't have high spiking fever.

It usually takes about 5 to 7 days for the fever to settle down, however post viral fatigue and myalgia will be there for another week.

I recommend that you take tab paracetamol 500 mg three times a day for symptomatic relief.
Drink plenty of water and keep yourself well hydrated, avoid milk and milk products

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

His temperature is again at 102 and keeping water on head gave some relief. Please advice on foods to be eaten and on other way to get faster recovery.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dietary advice

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

Here are my dietary recommendations

1. Avoid milk and milk products
2. Avoid caffeine and food rich in fat
3. Drink at least 5 to 6 glasses of water per day
4. I recommended a carbohydrate rich diet for example rice. Fruits like banana and apples
5. Avoid citrus juices
6. Let the food be warm. Chicken soup twice daily helps
7. Keep yourself warm At all times

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 days later)

Hello

Today is the 8th Day and I am still taking Dolo twice a day and antibiotics once. Temperature has ranged from 98.5 till 99.7 in the last 3 days (Including today). When should I stop taking medicine. I fear stopping to take medicine will raise the temperature again. I have started taking Becosule since last 2 days.What should be my intake to increase my strength and reduce temperature naturally. What are the other precautions to take.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back to me. Please stop both the medications. If you are still spiking fever then it is abnormal, it will require evaluation and treatment with some other antibiotic.

Please take Becosules for a month. It will help increase strength. There are no methods to reduce temperature natually. Your body immune system will take care of it.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj