Duration of complaints

The duration of fever, headache and dizziness depends on the underlying cause. With a simple cold, the symptoms disappear again after a few days. But the duration depends on the type of pathogen, the condition of the patient and the treatment.

Recovery takes considerably longer – up to ten days – for a real flu. With fever-reducing and pain-relieving medication, the increased body temperature and headaches can be brought under control within a few days, but the extreme fatigue and aching limbs will persist for longer. In the case of an infection of the gastrointestinal tract, it is difficult to estimate the duration, as it depends largely on the pathogen. With some infections, the symptoms last only a few hours, with bacterial infections (e.g. from Salmonella or E. coli bacteria) up to two weeks.

Possible causes

Fever, dizziness and headaches can have different causes. Usually there are other symptoms as well, which can be used to determine the cause. If, in addition to fever, dizziness and headaches, upper respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing, rhinitis and sore throat occur, it is a simple cold or flu-like infection.

What should I pay special attention to with the toddler?

Especially infants and children do not yet have a fully developed immune system and therefore get fever much more often than adults. Common causes of fever, headaches and dizziness in small children are a flu-like infection, gastrointestinal diseases or inflammation of the middle ear. Typically, the children are groggy and feel dull.

If you suspect that your child has an elevated temperature, you should take a temperature immediately.The best way to measure fever in small children is in the ear canal (with a special ear thermometer) or rectally in the buttocks. The measurement under the armpit is too inaccurate for children and is therefore not recommended. Parents should consult a pediatrician with their sick child if the body temperature exceeds 38°.

Fever-reducing and pain-relieving medication may only be administered according to the instructions of a doctor or pharmacist, as overdoses can easily occur in small children. The liver does not yet fully perform its detoxification function in small children, and excessive doses can lead to severe liver damage. Cold calf compresses and wet washcloths help to reduce fever and have a beneficial effect on headaches.

Parents must take special care to ensure that their sick child drinks enough to avoid dehydration. Severe headaches can already be the first sign that the body is dehydrating. The child should then drink as much breast milk or water and tea as possible. The sick child must take it easy and preferably stay in bed. If the fever is high, however, the child should not be wrapped too warmly, as otherwise the body temperature will rise even more.