Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Viral infection
My baby is having fever and cold n cough . We visited to the pediatrician he gave me the medicines on fever n antibiotics course and have done all the test as cbc dengue malaria crp esr creatinine etc all reports of my baby is normal may I knw how long my baby fever n cold cough will last in her ... And is this a viral infection and how many days it last
Answers (11)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Hello
Fever usually lasts 3–5 days, Cough and cold symptoms may persist for 7–10 days. Dry cough or mild nasal congestion may linger for up to 2–3 weeks
Improvement is usually seen gradually by Day 5–7
Viral infections are self-limiting and very common in this age. Even if the child appears dull, it’s mostly due to fever and poor sleep, not serious illness. Symptoms may take time to resolve fully – doesn’t always mean infection is worsening
Next Steps
Paracetamol for fever as needed
Nasal saline drops for congestion
Ensure hydration – frequent breastfeeds or fluids
Small, frequent feeds if appetite is low
Allow rest in a calm environment
Health Tips
Red flags:
Fever >5 days
Fast breathing, chest indrawing, noisy breathing
Refuses feeds or becomes drowsy
No improvement or worsening after day 5
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced orthopedist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+152
Usually Viral fever will stay for 3-4 days
So nothing to worry
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
It’s good to know that all the reports including CBC, dengue, malaria, CRP, ESR, and creatinine are normal. This suggests that your baby likely has a simple viral infection, which is very common at this age.
✅ Most viral fevers and cold/cough episodes last for 5–7 days, though the cough may sometimes linger up to 2 weeks.
✅ Since the pediatrician has already started antibiotics, it may mean there was some suspicion of a secondary bacterial infection, which can happen after a viral illness.
🔹 As long as your baby is:
Active,
Feeding well,
Passing urine normally,
And the fever is reducing gradually,
there is usually no need to worry.
🔔 Warning signs to watch for:
Breathing difficulty
Poor feeding
High-grade fever beyond 5 days
Excessive drowsiness or irritability
If any of these occur, reconsult the pediatrician.
Next Steps
Continue the prescribed medicines as advised by your pediatrician. Ensure proper hydration and rest. Most babies recover completely with supportive care
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Devaraja
Pediatrician
11 yrs exp
Coimbatore
Usually, a viral fever can last for 6 to 8 days, so more details are necessary.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Tangade Vishal Bhanudas
Pediatrician
4 yrs exp
Pune
May take 5-7 days
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Sachin Pariskar
Pediatrician
8 yrs exp
Pune
Viral fever may take 5-7 days
Next Steps
kindly consult once for discussion
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Akansha Mittal
Pediatrician
7 yrs exp
New Delhi
Usually viral fever resolved by one week.
However the intensity and frequency of fever also improves during the course of illness.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anjali Maini
Pediatrician
33 yrs exp
Gurgaon
It would be better to post the reports too to have a better advice.
A general guideline to act upon is like this:
- at the age of 1 year most fevers are of viral origin. They are self resolving, meaning they don’t require antivirals
- antibiotics are for bacterial infections
- we keep a time period of 3 days for fever to resolve on its own considering it’s only viral and expect that the temperature should start to fall down after that. Till then paracetamol can be given 4-6 hourly along with appropriate sponging
- since antibiotic has been given, we might guess there is some secondary bacterial infection? Otherwise, antibiotics are strongly discouraged for the age group and we should be certain of the site of infection at least
Encourage fluids in all forms - water, ORS, juice, milk, coconut water. Fruits produce nutrient and water again. Feed every 2 hourly - bread, biscuits, rice, khitchri, noodles, roti - nutritious diet as per the child’s liking
Next Steps
In case fever doesn’t start to fall off after 3 days, seek further advice with previous reports
Health Tips
Please provide more information in the question to seek a proper advice
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Prathibha Reddy
Pediatrician
12 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Ya looking like viral only . Continue medicine . It will last for 3-5 days .
Next Steps
Maintain hydration
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Akshara Mudigonda
Pediatrician
7 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Usually viral infections/ common cold lasts for about 7 days. The main thing to care about is hydration and good nutrition. It comes down on its own
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.