Persistent fever at a Glance
Most common causes
- Viral infections
- Typhoid
- Dengue and other mosquito-borne illness
- Urinary tract infection
- Chest or throat infection
When to seek medical attention
- Fever lasting more than 3–4 days
- Very high temperature
- Severe headache or body pain
- Breathlessness
- Rash, bleeding or persistent vomiting
Specialist: Dr Atonu Saha · General Medicine
What is Persistent fever?
A fever is the body's natural response to infection or inflammation. Most fevers settle within a couple of days. A fever is considered persistent when it lasts more than three to four days, keeps returning, or stays high despite home care. In a region like ours, where seasonal and mosquito-borne illnesses are common, a fever that does not settle should be evaluated to find the cause and rule out anything serious.
Common Causes
Viral Infections
- • Body ache
- • Sore throat
- • Runny nose
- • Mild to moderate fever
Typhoid
- • Step-wise rising fever
- • Abdominal discomfort
- • Weakness
- • Loss of appetite
Dengue & Mosquito-borne Illness
- • High fever
- • Severe body and joint pain
- • Headache behind the eyes
- • Rash
Bacterial Infections (urine, chest, throat)
- • Localised pain
- • Cough or burning urination
- • Fever with chills
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
- ▸ Fever lasting more than 3–4 days
- ▸ Difficulty breathing
- ▸ Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- ▸ Rash, bleeding gums or bleeding spots on skin
- ▸ Severe headache, neck stiffness or confusion
- ▸ Very low urine output or extreme weakness
How Doctors Evaluate Persistent fever
Your consultation may include: a detailed history of when the fever started and its pattern, physical examination, blood tests (complete blood count, dengue/typhoid/malaria tests as needed), urine test, and imaging such as a chest X-ray or ultrasound when required. Identifying the cause allows the right, targeted treatment instead of repeated antibiotics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Persistent fever Care in Guwahati
Patients from Dispur, GS Road, Ulubari, Chandmari, Zoo Road, Ganeshguri, Six Mile and Beltola can consult our General Medicine specialist at Healthwrx. Timely testing and treatment, close to home.
Related Pages
Common Questions
When is a fever a medical emergency?
Seek urgent care for fever with breathlessness, confusion, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or a rash with high fever.
Which doctor should I see for a long-lasting fever?
A general physician (general medicine specialist) is the right first doctor for an unexplained or persistent fever.
Can a fever come back after it goes away?
Yes. Some infections cause fever that settles and then returns, which is why a recurring fever should be evaluated.