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How Long Do Viral Infections Last Despite Being On Medications?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Jun 2023
Question: Hi doctor, my kid who is having 7 years , had fever 5 days back. Doctor told it's a very bad bacterial infection , and gave antibiotic cefpodim and mefttagesic DS for fever if it's above 100:F. Now frequency of temperature coming changed from 5 hours to 8 hours or 12 hours . But it's showing 102 to 103..otherwise child is active all time .Doctor told me that, temperature will be there in that range for 4 days ...I am worried even though it's 2 or 3 times only per day , why temperature is coming in that range and how long I have to give medicine ?? Whether medicine will affect kidney , as it's 5 the day ?? Please reply.
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Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:

Give them for 5 days. Give fever medication when there is fever.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Most often such episodes of fever are due to viral infections and irrespective of treatment they last for 5-7 days.

For the conclusion of a bacterial cause, blood tests are required but certain doctors choose to 'play safe' by prescribing antibiotics.

In any case, since you are giving the antibiotics you need to complete the 5-day course and need not continue the antibiotics even if the fever continues.

You need to be patient. If the fever lasts for more than 7 days you would need to get the blood tested to rule out typhoid fever as a possible cause.

I do not suppose that you need to worry about side effects especially on kidneys. It is more important that the child recovers fast.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Diptanshu Das, Pediatrician
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

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

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3878 Questions

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How Long Do Viral Infections Last Despite Being On Medications?

Brief Answer: Give them for 5 days. Give fever medication when there is fever. Detailed Answer: Hello, Most often such episodes of fever are due to viral infections and irrespective of treatment they last for 5-7 days. For the conclusion of a bacterial cause, blood tests are required but certain doctors choose to 'play safe' by prescribing antibiotics. In any case, since you are giving the antibiotics you need to complete the 5-day course and need not continue the antibiotics even if the fever continues. You need to be patient. If the fever lasts for more than 7 days you would need to get the blood tested to rule out typhoid fever as a possible cause. I do not suppose that you need to worry about side effects especially on kidneys. It is more important that the child recovers fast. Hope I have answered your query. Take care Regards, Dr Diptanshu Das, Pediatrician