What is the Prognosis of Fever?

Fevers are usually caused due to infection with viruses. It generally lasts 3 to 5 days and prognosis of fever is usually good. However, as fever is a symptom and not a disease, the outcome of fever depends on the cause of fever. Here are some facts on the prognosis of fever:

• Most people with fever just need symptomatic treatment (fever reducing medications, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest). For fevers caused due to infection with bacteria,  your doctor will prescribe medications to treat the infection as well.
• Fever caused due to severe infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, and typhoid can have guarded prognosis. Consult your doctor or consider going to a hospital immediately if you have fever with symptoms such as confusion, excessive sleepiness or lethargy and tiredness, stiff neck, severe headache, rash, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, and frequent vomiting.
• In people with weak immune system (people with cancer or AIDS), fever due to any infection can worsen rapidly. If you have any serious disease, consult your doctor immediately if you develop even low grade fever.
• Hyperthermia or sustained body temperatures of 1060Fahrenheit or more  can cause brain damage.

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