What are the risks of a baby having a fever for three consecutive days?

Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. The risks associated with a baby having a continuous fever for three days depend on the underlying cause, which could include common cold, pneumonia, meningitis, and others.

1. Common cold: After an upper respiratory tract infection, symptoms such as fever, cough, and headache may appear. If not treated promptly, the child may experience recurring fever and persistent headaches. Under medical guidance, antipyretic and analgesic medications such as ibuprofen suspension, acetaminophen suspension, or lysine acetylsalicylate granules can be used for treatment.

2. Pneumonia: Main symptoms of pneumonia include fever, cough, and rapid breathing. Typically, fever may persist or recur for 3–5 days. If pneumonia is diagnosed, medications such as amoxicillin granules or amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium granules may be prescribed under a doctor’s advice. For high fever, drugs like loxoprofen sodium granules or ibuprofen suspension can be taken orally.

3. Meningitis: In babies with meningitis, symptoms may include recurrent fever, chills, and seizures. For bacterial (purulent) meningitis, antibiotics such as ceftriaxone granules or cefotaxime granules may be administered under medical supervision. For viral meningitis, antiviral medications such as acyclovir granules or ganciclovir granules may be prescribed. In some cases, surgical interventions such as cerebrospinal fluid drainage or ventriculoperitoneal shunting may also be required.

A continuous three-day fever in infants might also be caused by roseola, which requires active treatment. It is recommended to ensure adequate hydration to prevent dehydration due to sweating or prolonged high fever, and to encourage intake of liquid or semi-liquid foods.