What to do if high fever lasts more than 24 hours?
Fever is the most common symptom of any infection. But what happens when it lasts more than 24 hours? Here's what to do if you have high temperatures for a long period of time.
Monsoon brings with it many allergies and seasonal viruses. Cases of Dengue, Zika Virus, Malaria, Chandipura Virus etc. have increased drastically in various states of India. One of the first warning signs when something is wrong in the body is a fever. Fever is an early symptom of many viruses and seasonal flu. Therefore, it is necessary to be more careful about these symptoms and a better awareness can help in timely diagnosis.
Fever is a common symptom of many diseases and is the body's natural response to infection or inflammation. In most cases, the fever resolves within a few days as the body fights the underlying problem. However, if a fever persists for more than 24 hours, it is important to note it and take action, as it may be a sign of a more serious health problem.
What happens after fever over 24 years?
There are many reasons why a fever may persist for a long time. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Viral infections: Viral illnesses such as the flu, Covid-19 or the common cold can often cause a fever that lasts for several days as the body works to fight off the virus.
- A bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection or meningitis, can cause prolonged fever as the body's immune system is overpowered.
- Some chronic diseases, such as autoimmune disorders or cancer, can cause persistent or recurrent fever.
What to do if your fever lasts more than 24 hours?
If your fever lasts more than a day, it is important to take note of it and seek medical advice as soon as possible. If a high-grade fever persists for the third day with nausea, fatigue, dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.
A low-grade fever (around 100°F or 37.8°C) usually does not require intervention. One can try to manage it with home remedies. But a high fever (above 102°F or 38.9°C), especially in infants, young children, or the elderly, requires medical attention.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth or electrolyte-rich drinks, to prevent dehydration and support your body's natural healing processes.
- Get plenty of rest: Your body needs time and energy to fight off an underlying infection or illness, so get plenty of rest and sleep.
- Get medical help: If your fever persists for more than 24 hours, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. They can examine you, order any necessary tests, and determine the underlying cause of the fever.
Your doctor may recommend additional treatments, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections or antiviral medications for viral illnesses. It is also important to watch for any additional symptoms, such as severe headache, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, or prolonged vomiting. Because these can be signs of a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
By being proactive and seeking medical care when a fever lasts more than a day, you can ensure that the underlying problem is properly addressed and prevent the condition from worsening. With proper treatment and care, most persistent fevers can be successfully managed and resolved.