What to do if you have a continuous fever for three days
Sep 04, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Continuous fever lasting for three days can be managed by timely rehydration, wiping the body with lukewarm water, cold compresses, medication, or intravenous therapy. If a patient experiences persistent fever for three consecutive days without improvement, they should promptly seek medical attention at a hospital and follow a doctor's guidance for fever-reducing measures or medication to avoid adverse outcomes.
Generally, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Continuous fever lasting for three days can be managed through timely hydration, wiping with lukewarm water, cold compresses, medication, intravenous therapy, and other methods to reduce fever. The specific approaches are as follows:
1. Timely Hydration
During fever, the body tends to lose more fluids, increasing the risk of dehydration. It is important to replenish fluids promptly to prevent thirst and dehydration.
2. Wiping with Lukewarm Water
A damp towel can be used to wipe areas such as the armpits, neck, and groin, where capillaries are densely distributed, helping to lower body temperature.
3. Cold Compress
Cold packs or frozen bottled water wrapped in a towel may also be applied to the above areas for cooling. However, care should be taken to avoid direct contact of excessively cold materials with the skin to prevent frostbite.
4. Medication
If fever persists for three consecutive days, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted drug treatment. In addition to treating the root cause, patients may take antipyretic medications under medical guidance to relieve symptoms, such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets.
5. Intravenous (IV) Therapy
If fever continues for three days with persistent high temperature exceeding 38.5°C, and oral antipyretics are ineffective, the body may lose significant fluids due to prolonged high fever, leading to dehydration. In such cases, intravenous fluid administration is recommended under medical supervision to restore lost fluids. IV therapy can also provide anti-inflammatory or antiviral treatment and nutritional support, which helps reduce fever and promote recovery.
Patients experiencing persistent fever for three days should seek prompt medical care and follow professional guidance for appropriate fever management or medication use to avoid adverse outcomes.
