A fever occurs when your body temperature rises above the average of 98.6°F (37°C). Typically, a temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher is considered a fever. It often comes with symptoms like headaches, chills, and, in severe cases, confusion or delirium. Fever is usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness. It can be short-lived or persist for several days, sometimes even weeks, in what is known as a persistent fever.
According to MSD Manuals, if a fever lasts more than 24 to 48 hours, it is best to consult a doctor. This is because it indicates an underlying health issue that needs prompt action. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Ankita Baidya, Consultant - Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, sheds light on the common causes of persistent fever and shares what can be done about it.
Also Read: Down With Fever? Avoid These Foods During And After A Fever
What Causes Persistent Fever?
Fever can be triggered by several infections and illnesses. The MSD Manual suggests that these causes can be broadly categorised as:
- Infectious
- Neoplastic
- Inflammatory
While infectious causes include infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, neoplastic causes include cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, and kidney cancer, which lead to high body temperatures. Inflammatory causes include systemic rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), and giant cell arteritis.
According to Dr Baidya, some of the common causes of persistent fever are enteric fever, also known as typhoid, dengue, wherein fever can last for about seven days, and bacterial infections.
She urges a thorough investigation to understand the underlying cause.
What To Do If A Fever Lasts More Than 24 Hours
A fever that lasts more than 24 hours should be immediately addressed. If it goes beyond three or four days, one should see a doctor regardless of other symptoms.
Dr Baidya says, "If there is a high fever accompanied by chills, or if a very high fever doesn't subside after taking a paracetamol tablet, and you feel weak, experience dizziness, vomiting, or any other symptoms that interfere with your routine, you should definitely see a doctor to ensure it is taken care of in time.”
“You must also keep an eye out for other associated symptoms, such as severe headache, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, cough, or any other warning signs like severe burning in urine or blood in urine. These warning signs can be indicative of some serious condition and should be thoroughly examined and investigated by a doctor or a specialist,” she adds.
Also Read: Monsoon Woes: How To Prevent Typhoid Fever This Rainy Season?
How To Manage Fever
Besides consulting a doctor, you must also take certain measures at home. These include:
- Staying hydrated
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Regularly monitoring the temperature
- Taking paracetamol
- Avoid ibuprofen or other Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), especially in dengue season, as they increase complications.
When it comes to diet and taking certain medications, it is crucial to speak with your healthcare provider. You must make a note of the kinds of foods you can eat and should avoid. This helps prevent any interaction with the medication that you are taking, the doctor concludes.