Viral vs. Bacterial Fever: Know the Difference, Avoid Self-Medication

• Distinguishing between viral and bacterial fever is crucial to avoid side effects from self-medication.
• Dr. Lokendra Gupta of Medanta Hospital explains that viral infections are common due to climate change, causing fever, cold, and cough.
• For sudden fever, doctors advise taking only Paracetamol initially to reduce fever and body aches.
• Viral fever typically resolves in 3-5 days, while bacterial fever may last longer; consult a doctor if fever persists beyond 4-5 days.
• Symptoms differ: viral fever causes cough, sore throat, muscle pain; bacterial fever may include UTI, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, earache.