Most fevers are viral and settle in a few days. Some need tests — dengue, typhoid, malaria or a urine or chest infection. We find out which, and treat it safely.
Dr. Pankaj Kumar · MBBS, DNB (Family Medicine), DNHE · 16 years · Sector 6, Dwarka · In-clinic & online
Fever is a sign, not a diagnosis. The aim of the visit is to find the cause, so you get the right treatment and avoid antibiotics you don't need.
Body ache, sore throat, cold and tiredness. Usually settles in 3–5 days with rest, fluids and paracetamol.
High fever with severe body pain, headache and eye pain. Needs platelet and warning-sign monitoring, especially days 3–7.
Fever that climbs over several days with stomach upset. Confirmed with blood culture; antibiotics are chosen carefully.
Fever with chills and sweating that comes in waves. A quick blood test confirms it.
Burning urine, back pain, cough or breathlessness with fever. Treated once the source is found.
Fever for more than a week, or again and again, needs a planned work-up rather than repeated antibiotics.
When it started, the pattern, travel, mosquito exposure, contacts and medicines already taken. Then a full examination.
Depending on the day of fever: CBC with platelets, dengue NS1 or antibody test, malaria test, typhoid blood culture, urine test, CRP or chest X-ray. The Widal test alone is not reliable.
Paracetamol, fluids and rest for most fevers. Painkillers like ibuprofen are avoided when dengue is possible. Antibiotics only when there is a bacterial cause.
You leave knowing which signs mean you should come back the same day. Platelets are re-checked when needed, and the review can be online.
For any of these, go to the nearest emergency department or call 112. Don't wait for a clinic appointment.
See a doctor if fever lasts more than 3 days, goes above 103°F (39.4°C), keeps coming back, or comes with any warning sign listed on this page. Older adults and people with diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease should be seen earlier.
No. Antibiotics do not work on viruses and can cause side effects and resistance. They are used only when the examination or tests point to a bacterial infection such as typhoid, a urine infection or pneumonia.
The NS1 antigen test works best in the first 1–5 days of fever. Antibody tests (IgM) become useful after about day 5. Platelet counts are watched most closely between days 3 and 7.
Paracetamol is the safest choice. Avoid ibuprofen, diclofenac and aspirin until dengue has been ruled out, because they can increase bleeding risk.
Not on its own. Widal results are often falsely positive in India. A blood culture in the first week is the most reliable test, read together with your symptoms.
Mild fever and follow-up reviews often can, especially if you already have test reports. A first visit with high fever, breathlessness or warning signs needs an in-person examination.
Doctors Lane, Pocket 2, Sector 6, Dwarka, New Delhi · Mon–Sat 10 AM–2 PM & 5–9 PM · Sun 10 AM–2 PM
This page gives general information and is not a substitute for a consultation. Treatment is decided after examination and tests. Last reviewed by Dr. Pankaj Kumar, MBBS, DNB (Family Medicine), on 21 October 2026.