How many days does a cold and fever last?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on May 12, 2025
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Common cold and fever generally last for about three to five days. However, if it is influenza, the duration might be longer. The specific condition should be determined based on individual constitution and disease tolerance, and it generally does not exceed seven days. If the fever persists for more than a week, secondary bacterial infection or other pathogenic respiratory inflammatory factors should be considered. Chest X-rays, complete blood count, and mycoplasma tests, among other diagnostic aids, would be necessary for a precise diagnosis. Appropriate measures to reduce fever should be taken during this time.

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How many days does it take to recover from a cold caused by wind-cold?

Patients with a common cold due to wind-cold usually improve within about 3 to 7 days under normal conditions. The most severe period is the first 1 to 2 days, during which symptoms such as severe coughing and a runny nose are more pronounced. It is recommended to always pay attention to keeping warm and avoid getting chilled to prevent worsening the condition. If the cold is severe, it is crucial to go to a formal hospital in time and treat the symptoms based on the doctor's guidance. Additionally, one can use some anti-inflammatory and wind-cold fighting medicines for effective treatment, which can help improve the cold and hasten the healing process.

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What should pregnant women not eat when they have a cold?

During pregnancy, due to the general decline in the physical condition of pregnant women, it is easy to catch a cold. At this time, relief can be provided through daily care. However, in daily life, there are some foods that should be avoided. First, crabs should not be eaten, as eating crabs during pregnancy can potentially cause miscarriage, due to their effect of invigorating blood circulation and resolving stasis. Additionally, chives should not be eaten when having a cold, as although chives have a moistening effect on the intestines, eating too many can also easily cause uterine contractions leading to miscarriage. Also, spicy and stimulating foods, such as chili peppers, black pepper, onions, and ginger, should be avoided as they can exacerbate gastrointestinal disorder. Instead, it is important to drink plenty of water, ensure adequate sleep, and strengthen personal hygiene care.

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The difference between viral influenza and the common cold.

The common cold is mostly caused by viruses and has milder symptoms, mainly including cough, nasal congestion, and runny nose. It tends to resolve on its own, and the whole-body symptoms are mild. Viral colds usually refer to colds where a specific pathogen can be identified, also known as influenza, such as H1N1, H3N2, type A influenza, and type B influenza prevalent in the winter and spring seasons. Its whole-body symptoms are more severe, mainly including fever, sore throat, headache, whole-body muscle soreness, poor spirits, fatigue, and other systemic symptoms.

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What should a baby eat when they have a cold?

During a cold, both babies and adults generally prefer liquid food over solid food. Babies who haven't started on solid food should drink as much milk as possible. For those who are beginning to eat solid foods, in addition to drinking more milk, you can also appropriately increase their intake of plain water and rice porridge. Older children, besides the aforementioned, can also appropriately consume some light soups and can increase their intake of fresh vegetables and fruits. These can be made into vegetable purees or juiced according to the baby's needs. Babies are more prone to dehydration when they have a cold or fever. To prevent dehydration or treat mild dehydration, fresh apple juice can be used as a substitute. For moderate or severe dehydration, seek medical attention promptly; the doctor will take necessary measures for rehydration.

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Can I eat oranges when I have a cold and fever?

Eating oranges, which are rich in vitamins, rough fiber, and amino acids, is beneficial for treating colds and fevers. Generally, there are no special dietary restrictions. It is mainly advised to eat light, soft, and easily digestible foods, and to avoid overly greasy or high-calorie foods. Consuming fruits like apples, bananas, dragon fruit, watermelon, and kiwis, as well as foods high in vitamin C like green bean sprouts, can help in the recovery of bodily functions.