Fever and Persistent Fever
Overview
Fever is a common sign that the body is responding to infection, inflammation, or another medical condition. In many cases, fever improves as the underlying illness resolves. However, persistent or recurring fever may require further assessment to identify the cause.
Fever can occur alongside respiratory symptoms, digestive problems, body pain, fatigue, or other general symptoms. While some causes are mild and temporary, others may require medical treatment or closer monitoring.
Early evaluation is important when fever is prolonged, severe, or associated with worsening symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause. You may experience:
- Elevated body temperature
- Chills or sweating
- Fatigue or weakness
- Headaches or body aches
- Loss of appetite
- Symptoms related to infection, such as cough or stomach upset
Some people may also experience dehydration or difficulty carrying out normal activities.
Causes & Risk Factors
Fever can result from a wide range of infections or inflammatory conditions. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Have respiratory or digestive infections
- Have weakened immunity
- Have chronic medical conditions
- Are exposed to infectious illnesses
- Delay treatment for ongoing symptoms
These factors can increase the likelihood of persistent or more severe illness.
When to Seek Care
You should seek medical advice if you:
- Have fever lasting several days
- Experience recurring or unexplained fever
- Develop weakness, dehydration, or worsening symptoms
- Have fever associated with cough, breathing problems, or digestive symptoms
Emergency Symptoms
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Confusion or reduced alertness
- Persistent vomiting or dehydration
- Severe chest pain or abdominal pain
- Fever with seizures or loss of consciousness
Prevention
You can help reduce the risk of infection-related fever by:
- Practising good hygiene and handwashing
- Seeking early treatment for infections
- Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations
- Maintaining good hydration and nutrition
- Avoiding close exposure to infectious illness where possible
Diagnostics Used
To assess fever and persistent fever, your care team may use:
Support Services
Managing fever focuses on treating the underlying cause and supporting recovery. You may benefit from:
- Medication and symptom management
- Hydration and recovery support
- Monitoring and follow-up care
- Referral for specialist evaluation where needed
This approach helps support recovery and reduce complications.