How Long Do Viral Infections Last Despite Being On Medications?

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.

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

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