How long do fevers last?
Fever is just a symptom of any underlying bacterial or viral infection and so, duration of fever depends on that particular causative organism. Usually, most fevers usually go away in 1 to 3 days in adults.
Last updated on 12 Dec 2024
Normally, core body temperature is low in the morning and increases by few degree by the evening. So, a fever that was slight during the day can easliy spike by the night. Additionally, cortisol releases as a response to infection which is believed to be a protective mechanism against over activation of inflammatory system in the body. During night time, this protective mechanism is missed due to low cortisol levels and fever increases due to activation of inflammatory system.
A morning (AM) oral temperature of > 37.2 C / > 98.9 F or an evening (PM) oral temperature of > 37.7 C / > 99.9 F is considered fever in an adult. A fever of > 41.5 C /106.7 F is considered as Hyperpyrexia or High fever.
Blankets alone can not increase fever, however, during fever it is suggestbale to use light blankets so that heat dissipation can be effective.
Cold water either in the form of drinking or tepid sponging helps in controlling core body temperature in fever. Drinking water maintains hydration during the stress of fever on the body. Tepid sponging helps by vasodilating blood vessels and evaportaion technique.
Choose the doctor
Book a slot
Make payment
Be present in the consult room on apollo247.com at the time of consult
Follow Up via text - Valid upto 7 days
Access past pharmacy bills for easy reorder.