“Does a fever always signal an infection?”
I have a low fever (100.1F). Why is this happening? I feel fine otherwise, just very warm. Is my body fighting off something?
13 Answers
Most of the time, but not always. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, also cancer, would be on the list.
Amitha J. Mundenchira
Family Practitioner
Some viral illnesses present with just fever. As long as the fever lasts only 2-3 days and as long as over-the-counter antipyretics like acetaminophen help, you can just monitor.
Fever, esp. low fever does not always mean an infection. It could be inflammation from a unknown source in your body or it could be a metabolic issue. If it persists, see a provider.
Fever usually means you are fighting of some type of infection like bacteria, or virus, but you can get fever from other things like rheumatoid arthritis or cancer.
Fever is almost always an indication of infection; however, there are other conditions - such as certain metabolic and endocrine disorders - that may result in low grade fever. If you are feeling fine, a transient low grade fever of 100.1 is nothing to worry about.
Not always. Watch if you have other symptoms
Dr. Lisa Ann Shepherd
Family Practitioner
A fever often, but not always indicates an infection. Viral and bacterial infections cause fevers, but other sources include autoimmune diseases and certain medications. If it is persistent, I would recommend visiting with your doctor.
By medical standards, if the temp is more than 100.3 degree F, it is considered clinically important and due to either infection or some other pathology. Many diseases can have fever as symptom other than just Infection though infection is the most common.
If there is no source of infection, then doctor has to find other reasons for fever. In hot weather, body temp can get to 100 degree F.
If there is no source of infection, then doctor has to find other reasons for fever. In hot weather, body temp can get to 100 degree F.
Fevers are usually due to infections. However other things can cause this such as autoimmune diseases, reactions to medications ( and other substances), and even cancer. It's possible you have a viral infection if your only symptom is a fever and the onset is recent. In that case your symptoms should resolve in 1 to 2 weeks. I did have a patient with high fevers up to 103 once and after a full work-up with lab tests and radiology tests, he got better with no diagnosis. We just assumed it was a virus since he was fine. If you have any other symptoms or your symptoms persist, you should see your doctor for further evaluation.
No. Fever is a symptom. It indicates that there is an underlying medical problem that the body is trying to get rid of or sort out. PUO (pyrexia of unknown origin) is a diagnosis of exclusion. You should have this matter investigated to determine the cause of this fever.
If the fever resolves after a day or two, you may just have been fighting off a virus or other infection. If it persists though, especially beyond a week, without other typical infectious symptoms like a cold would produce, then you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for a visit, just to make sure everything is okay. It could be something as simple as a bladder infection, or your thyroid could be slightly overactive. There are a number of other reasons it could be elevated, all of which your doctor would rule out with a physical and blood work. Please monitor your symptoms and follow up if it persists.
The huge probability is that you have a low grade chonic, probably viral infection. Worth getting it looked into by your MD.
maybe it is the first sign of illness. if it does not resolve within 5 days consult your doctor
