Febrile (fever) illness
About Febrile (fever) illness
A fever is the body's way of reacting to something abnormal in the body. Fevers, on their own, aren't bad for you unless they become too high or last too long though they can make you feel awful. The cause of the fever is the bigger concern. Fevers may help the body fight infections but that should not prevent a patient from trying to lower the temperature. Fevers can be caused by a number of conditions including: infections, reactions to medications, reactions to blood transfusions, cancer, or autoimmune diseases.Symptoms
Elevated temperature, weakness, chills, sweats, uncontrollable shivering (rigors), dizziness, body aches.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Lab and imaging tests may be performed to search for a source of infection or other cause of fever.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy depends on the cause of the fever. Treatment includes: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol), antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected, and hospital admission if the patient is immunocompromised or seriously ill.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Febrile (fever) illness.