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Jul 15, 2014 · In patients with a prolonged febrile illness, a minimum diagnostic workup should be performed before classifying the disease process as a fever of unknown origin. C 1 , 2 , 4 – 7 , 15 – 20 , 27
- Fever of Unknown Origin in Adults
Fever of unknown origin: an evidence-based review. Am J Med...
- AAFP
Disclosure. All editors in a position to control content for...
- Fever of Unknown Origin in Adults
- Overview
- What is a fever?
- Types of fevers
- When is a fever serious?
- Causes of serious fevers
- Treatments
- When to go the ER
- The bottom line
You may need to get plenty of rest and drink fluids to help your body heal. But if you have a high or long-lasting fever longer than 3 days, you may need urgent medical care.
A fever is a common side effect of illness like the flu. It happens when there is a temporary rise in body temperature. A fever is usually a sign that your immune system is busy fighting an infection or other illness.
In babies and toddlers even a slight fever may be a sign of a serious illness. In adults a fever is not usually serious or life-threatening.
However, sometimes a fever in adults can be a warning signal that something is not right. A high or persistent fever might be a sign of a serious health condition.
A fever is normally a short-term rise in temperature that helps your body get rid of illness. A fever begins when your immune system makes more white blood cells to fight an infection. The increase in white blood cells triggers your brain to heat your body up.
This causes a fever. In response, your body tries to cool itself off by tightening up on blood flow to your skin and contracting muscles. This makes you shiver and may cause muscle aches.
Adults typically have a fever if their body temperature increases to 100.4°F (38°C). This is called a low grade fever. A high grade fever happens when your body temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or above.
Most fevers usually go away by themselves after 1 to 3 days. A persistent or recurrent fever may last or keep coming back for up to 14 days.
A fever that lasts longer than normal may be serious even if it is only a slight fever. This is because a recurrent fever might be a sign of a more serious infection or health condition.
Common fever symptoms in adults include:
•sweating
•chills (shivering)
Call your doctor immediately if you have a high grade fever — when your temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher. Get medical help if you have any kind of fever for more than three days. Let your doctor know if your symptoms get worse or if you have any new symptoms.
Serious symptoms
A fever may be a sign of serious illness if you have:
•a severe headache
•dizziness
•sensitivity to bright light
If you have serious fever symptoms, let your doctor know if you have recently traveled to a different country or attended an event that had lot of people. This may help your doctor find out the cause.
Common causes of a fever in adults are:
•viral infection (like the flu or a cold)
•bacterial infection
•fungal infection
•food poisoning
A fever is not normally harmful on its own. Most fevers go away within a few hours to days as your body defeats an infection.
Help yourself feel better with these at-home flu remedies:
•stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as:
•water
•juice
•soup
A fever may be a sign of serious illness. A high fever can also cause serious side effects.
Emergency Symptoms
Get emergency medical attention by going to the ER or calling an ambulance if you have any of these symptoms:
•seizure or convulsions
•fainting or loss of consciousness
•confusion
A fever in adults is usually not harmful on its own. It is a sign that your body is dealing with an infection or other illness. In some cases a high or long-lasting fever can be a sign of a serious illness. You may need urgent medical treatment.
Do not ignore a fever. Get plenty of rest and fluids to help your body heal. See your doctor if you have a fever that lasts longer than 3 days or if you have other severe symptoms.
A fever can sometimes cause body aches. If you are experiencing sharp, sporadic pains or a constant ache, it could be because you have a fever. Lack of appetite If you have a fever, you might find your appetite to be lacking. A variety of infections can cause a fever accompanied by a lack of appetite. Rash. You might develop a rash if you have ...
May 22, 2023 · Causes of fever. An infection, such as the flu, is the most common cause of fever. Other conditions can also cause a fever. These include diseases that produce inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis; reactions to drugs or vaccines; and even certain types of cancers. Accompanying symptoms. The following symptoms may also accompany fever ...
- hhp_info@health.harvard.edu
May 7, 2022 · The average temperature has traditionally been defined as 98.6 F (37 C). A temperature taken using a mouth thermometer (oral temperature) that's 100 F (37.8 C) or higher is generally considered to be a fever. Depending on what's causing a fever, other fever signs and symptoms may include: Sweating; Chills and shivering; Headache; Muscle aches
Jul 18, 2024 · If you have a fever, you may feel hot and sweaty. You also might shiver because you feel chilled. Weakness, aches, or fatigue could happen. You may have symptoms of the illness that caused the ...
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Apr 25, 2024 · You have a moderate to severe fever—usually 102°F and greater. You have a fever that has been persistent (greater than 3 to 5 days). You have a weakened immune system (elderly adults, people with cancer, people on medications that suppress the immune system, people with chronic conditions like diabetes, etc.).
