My child's fever is not coming down after 3 days. What to do?
A fever lasting more than 3 days in a child is rarely a simple viral cold. It requires a doctor's examination and blood tests to rule out dengue, typhoid, urinary tract infection, or pneumonia. At Nareddy Care in Tirupati, Paediatrician Dr. Bramhini Nareddy and our in-house lab offer same-visit answers until 10 pm.
When to seek care
- A seizure or fit during the fever
- Child is struggling to breathe, grunting, or lips turn bluish
- Cannot be woken or stays unusually drowsy and unresponsive
- Purplish spots or rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- No urine passed for 6 to 8 hours
- Fever lasting past day 3 without signs of improvement
- Fever spiking above 103°F (39.4°C) repeatedly
- Persistent vomiting or refusal to drink any liquids
- Severe stomach pain or headache behind the eyes
- Baby under 3 months with any degree of fever
- Child becomes active and plays once paracetamol lowers the temperature
- Drinking fluids well and passing normal pale urine every 3–4 hours
- Breathing comfortably without chest pulling
- Fever is under 48 hours and spacing out
Common possible causes
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't the fever stay down after paracetamol?
Paracetamol lowers temperature temporarily for 4 to 6 hours while the underlying infection is active; it does not cure the infection itself. If fever returns for more than 3 days, a doctor's check and lab test identify the cause.
Can I give mefenamic acid or ibuprofen?
Avoid ibuprofen and mefenamic acid without a doctor's check, especially if dengue is possible in the community, as these medicines can irritate the stomach and increase bleeding risks.
What tests are needed for fever lasting 3 days?
A complete blood count (CBC), dengue NS1 antigen, and a urine routine are commonly performed first to pinpoint the infection.
Dr. Bramhini Nareddy
Paediatrician-Neonatologist · Open until 10 pm daily.